By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 12: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) unanimously passed the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024, establishing a vital legal framework for Sarawak to responsibly manage its natural resources and safeguard its environment.
Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan emphasised that the Bill, grounded in the principles of Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), grants Sarawak full autonomy over its environmental governance.
This strengthens Sarawak’s capacity to protect its unique ecosystems while fostering sustainable economic and social development.
“This Bill marks a significant milestone in Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable development, providing a comprehensive framework that enhances environmental protection laws and promotes long-term socio-economic growth.
“By instituting stringent legislation, the Bill addresses the urgent need to combat climate change and environmental degradation. As the world faces these critical challenges, Sarawak is positioning itself as a key player in the global effort to protect the planet, aligning with international environmental standards and practices,” he said.
The Deputy Premier also highlighted that the Bill equips Sarawak with the tools necessary to minimise environmental degradation while encouraging economic growth.
By regulating emissions, waste, and pollution from industries, he said, it ensures a cleaner, healthier environment for the people of Sarawak, ultimately improving their quality of life.
On enforcement issue, Awang Tengah assured that the government will strengthen enforcement, as well as capacity building through increasing expertise, manpower and adaptiong advance technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data.
In responding to Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong, he emphasised that any project proposed must comply with the regulatory requirements prior to its implementation, including carbon capture, utilisation and storage project.
“Anyway, the Kawasari project is about the extraction of sour gas and has nothing to do with CCUS. This project is fully funded through a production sharing contract (PSC) under PETRONAS.
“Further, the Ombudsman Ordinance is not within the ambit of this Bill, but rest assured, we will ensure that the element of transparency and integrity will be adopted in the implementation of this Bill,” he added.
Awang Tengah added that the Bill demonstrates that economic growth and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive but can, in fact, complement one another.
This approach will ensure that future generations inherit a thriving and resilient environment.
“Sarawak’s commitment to this Bill reflects a forward-thinking approach to governance, where the needs of the present are met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.
“With this legislation, Sarawak is reaffirming its dedication to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future,” he said. — DayakDaily
