By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 25: The Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) will be expanded to oil palm plantations, quarries, and mining sectors starting July 2025, with full implementation by January 1, 2027.
The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) expects this move to enhance environmental accountability across all industries.
In a joint statement today, NREB Controller of Environment Quality Sarawak Datu Jack Liam and Sarawak Timber Association (STA) Training Sdn Bhd manager Annie Ting urged companies in these sectors to enroll their officers in training programmes to prepare for the pilot project and full ECA rollout.
The initiative builds on progress in the forestry sector following the introduction of the Natural Resources and Environment (Audit) Rules, 2008. Gazetted on December 31, 2008, and enforced on January 1, 2013, these Rules aim to strengthen environmental compliance, mitigate risks, and promote self-regulation among project proponents.
“A key milestone was the successful implementation of two pilot projects under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NREB, STA, and 13 participating companies.
“Completed in 2023, these projects validated the ECA framework and confirmed the forestry sector’s readiness for full implementation,” they stated.
Following this success, ECA became mandatory for all forestry projects in Sarawak starting July 1, 2024, replacing quarterly Environmental Monitoring Reports with a more structured and proactive compliance approach.
Jack and Ting emphasised that the implementation of ECA has strengthened corporate responsibility by requiring companies to proactively assess their compliance with the terms and conditions outlined in their Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan approvals.
“This approach not only ensures continued adherence to environmental regulations but also facilitates early identification and rectification of non-compliance issues, promoting sustainable resource management and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility,” they added.
To support this transition, the NREB appointed STA Training Sdn Bhd as the official training provider for the ECA Training Course. This course equips potential auditors with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct ECA effectively.
Successful completion of the course is one of the key competencies required to qualify as an NREB Registered Environmental Auditor.
For more information, please contact STA Training at 082-332222 or email stat-training@sta.org.my.
