By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 25: Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang has proposed enhancements to the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill 2025 with provisions that specifically benefit rural communities, including a structured rural waste management scheme and incentives for adopting green technology.
Debating the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill 2025 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) Sitting today, Nyabong outlined measures to ensure that rural and remote communities also share in the benefits of this legislation.
Speaking from the perspective of a representative of a rural constituency, he advocated for the establishment of a structured Rural Waste Management Scheme to address the unique challenges of dispersed longhouses and rural settlements, including mobile waste collection for riverine communities, mini recycling and segregation hubs at longhouses, community-based composting for organic waste, and small-scale agricultural waste processing units for materials such as oil palm fronds, rubber wood, and crop residues.
He also proposed a “Micro-Licence Tier” that would simplify licensing for youth, longhouse cooperatives, Village Security and Development Committees (JKKKs), and community-based organisations, enabling them to legally collect, transport, and aggregate recyclable waste.
“This would transform waste into a rural income-generating activity, support job creation, entrepreneurship and community empowerment, aligning with the economic inclusion goals championed by Premier,” he said.
Recognising the importance of rivers as lifelines for many rural communities, Nyabong suggested the creation of a Riverine Waste Protection Unit with waste traps installed at strategic points along rivers, dedicated enforcement units under the Authority, and clear regulations addressing river-based waste offences.
“This would preserve key waterways such as the Batang Rajang, Baleh, Baram, and Limbang as clean and sustainable resources,” he said.
Wilson also highlighted the Bill’s incentive provisions under Clause 22, urging that rural communities be supported through rebates for adopting recycling practices, grants for green composting equipment, subsidies for rural SMEs exploring waste-derived products, and support for schools running environmental programmes.
“These measures would ensure that rural Sarawak shares in the benefits of the circular economy, making the green economy inclusive and empowering for all communities,” he added.
Nyabong noted that Sarawak is shifting from traditional waste management to resource management, with the Bill institutionalising principles of circular economy, green industrialisation, and sustainable development, which is key pillars of the State’s Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 economic agenda.
“This is not only timely but also essential. Without a strong regulatory institution or body, the circular economy cannot function effectively,” he said.
He pointed out that one of the most significant provisions in this Bill is Clause 29, which vests ownership of sustainable resources and wastes in the Authority.
“This is a powerful assertion of Sarawak’s sovereignty over recyclable materials, biomass, industrial by-products, metal scraps, e-waste, and energy-yielding waste. In short, ‘Our resources, our rules, our future’,” he said.
Nyabong emphasised that the Bill transforms waste from a liability into a valuable economic asset, extending the green value chain upstream and positioning Sarawak as a regional green powerhouse.
“This is not merely about environmental compliance but a strategic economic move that advances Sarawak’s ambition to become a leader in sustainable development,” he said. — DayakDaily
