By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 9: The Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024, aimed at transferring authority over environmental management to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), will be among four bills to be tabled at the next Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting, which will run from Nov 11 to 20.
DUS Speaker Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar explained that the amendment is essential, as the Federal Department of Environment is set to hand over regulatory authority for environmental and waste management to the State, through NREB, by January 2025.
“The types of waste that will come under State authority include metal and metal-bearing waste, such as batteries and air conditioning units.
“Sarawak will manage these waste types, which will require licensing of specified activities, including premises operations, waste transport, discharge of oil into waters, and pollution control across air, water, and soil, as well as noise management,” he said at the press conference after the pre-council meeting chaired by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) headquarters today.
The Bill is designed to address pollutants and discarded materials — items that are no longer usable or profitable but are dumped into the environment, causing pollution and contamination.
NREB will be the responsible authority, managing and funding clean-up efforts.
The Bill will be presented by the Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, with its first reading on Nov 11, followed by the second and third readings on Nov 12.
Mohamad Asfia also highlighted the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2024, noting that it is essential to strengthen existing laws as Sarawak transitions to a green energy economy, aligning with its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“Hydrogen is regarded as a clean energy source for transportation as well as industrial application and usage.
“The government is promoting hydrogen production and actively seeking foreign collaboration and investment in hydrogen generation projects in Sarawak,” he said.
This Bill will be presented by Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, with all readings scheduled for Nov 11.
Additionally, Asfia revealed that the DUS received 350 oral and written questions from 42 assembly members, with the Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication receiving the highest number, totalling 61 questions.
Deputy DUS Speaker Datuk Idris Buang and DUS Secretary Nur Azhar Bujang were present. — DayakDaily
