By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 9: Sarawak’s carbon law needs to be harmonised with the federal government’s to ensure smooth cooperation in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) following the recent passing of the CCUS Bill 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said that any overlaps between federal and Sarawak regulations must be addressed through proper frameworks to facilitate collaboration.
“What needs to be harmonised now is how federal and State laws can be aligned. Any overlaps or matters requiring federal-State cooperation should be addressed through regulations.
“This will be discussed further because carbon storage efforts certainly involve collaboration between the federal and State governments,” he told reporters after a bubur lambuk distribution programme in Kampung Samariang Jaya Fasa 2 today.
His remarks came in response to questions about the CCUS Bill, which he clarified does not apply to Sarawak, as the State already has its own legislation on the matter.
“The CCUS law that was passed does not apply to Sabah and Sarawak. It only applies to the Peninsula and Labuan because Sarawak already has its own laws,” he said.
Fadillah further said that the federal government’s CCUS Bill will next be tabled in the Dewan Negara before being presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for royal assent.
When asked about transboundary transport regulations, which would allow Sarawak to begin carbon trading, Fadillah reiterated the importance of establishing clear rules between the federal and State governments.
“There must be regulations between the federal and State governments because there are federal and State jurisdictions. So, we need to harmonise them through regulations,” he said. – DayakDaily
