By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 20: The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduces harsh penalties for violation, with fines up to RM500,000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years for individual while RM5 million for corporations.
To Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira (GPS-PRS), the introduction of heavy fines reflects Sarawak’s seriousness in protecting its biodiversity.
The introduction of new definitions such as “microorganism”, “Minister”,” and “native” in the Bill further reflects further administrative clarity.
Meanwhile, Clause 6 of the Bill introduces a Benefit Sharing Fund, ensuring that any monetary benefit derived from the use of Sarawak’s biodiversity is reinvested in conservation, research, and community benefit.
“Importantly, this Bill does not impose any financial burden on the government. In fact, it facilitates more effective revenue collection from bio-based industries through penalties and benefit-sharing,” said Christopher when debating the Bill at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) at DUS Complex here.
This Bill, he said, represents a progressive step forward in ensuring that Sarawak continues to protect its natural heritage while promoting scientific innovation and economic development.
“It strengthens legal safeguards, respects native rights, and supports international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol,” said Christopher.
He pointed out that the original Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Ordinance, 1997, was a landmark legislation at the time, positioning Sarawak as a regional leader in biodiversity research and conservation.
However, over the past 27 years, significant changes have occurred not only in biodiversity science but also in the legal landscape for conservation, benefit-sharing, and indigenous knowledge protection.
“The amendment is necessary to ensure that Sarawak’s biodiversity governance is responsive and relevant,” said Christopher. — DayakDaily
