THE Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024, presented during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) session, aims to strengthen the state’s laws and regulations related to water pollution.
Miro Simuh (GPS-Serembu) said that the Bill must consider introducing more drastic measures to monitor water cleanliness levels and ensure safe water sources for the community.
Using the example of companies or mechanic workshops carrying out vehicle maintenance near drainage systems and rivers, Miro pointed out that workers often carelessly dispose of unused oil into nearby drains.
“If we pass by any of these workshops, we can see that the drains near these premises are filled with oil, indicating pollution,” he said.
He said this during his debate speech on the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024 at the second meeting of the third session of the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Nov 12).
“Environmental laws play a crucial role in protecting humans, animals, resources, and habitats. Without these laws, there would be no regulations concerning pollution, contamination, hunting, or even disaster response.
The purpose of environmental law is to protect and preserve the environment for present and future generations, and to ensure sustainable development.
“My question is, who will be responsible for enforcing the laws against these activities?” he said.
On another note, he mentioned that the Serin River in Padawan is severely polluted due to pig farming activities, where waste and manure from the animals are directly dumped into the river.
He said that the amendments to the Bill are timely and necessary to enforce stricter laws and regulations, particularly for premises that continue to take these issues lightly.
