By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 11: Sarawak will gain full control and management over all matters related to the environment as the Department of Environment (DOE) will soon be handed over to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni said this results from negotiations with Putrajaya according to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which stipulated that environmental matters are under the authority of Sarawak.
“NREB is an agency in Sarawak that controls all activities related to the environment. The DOE will be handed over and absorbed into NREB soon.
“This is another achievement where Sarawak will have full control of anything to do with the environment, including climate change mitigation, decarbonisation, carbon footprint, and enforcement of the environment.
“We expressed our thanks to the Federal government for the close collaboration,” he said when officiating at the Sarawak-level Earth Day 2023 celebration held at Kuching South City Council (MBKS) community hall today.
In connection to this, Dr Hazland added that the Ministry met with the Federal Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in Parliament last Wednesday to align Sarawak’s policies, strategies, and plans in climate change mitigation with its Federal counterparts.
He also emphasised that Sarawak is a leading producer of renewable energy, making it the most significant player in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
“Renewable energy, especially through hydropower, is the strength of Sarawak. The Sarawak government taking over Bakun in 2017 is the game changer and turning point, especially in terms of green power generation for Sarawak and contributions to other regions, including Indonesia,” he added.
On Earth Day, an annual celebration to honour achievements of the environmental movement and raise awareness of the need to protect Earth’s natural resources for future generations, Dr Hazland pointed out that the Ministry, in partnership with all stakeholders, has and will continue to carry out more efforts at all levels including community and schools to protect and sustain Sarawak’s environment.
“Climate change is a serious issue. The changes in weather and climate patterns, such as what we experienced this month with continuous rain and drought, will have a huge impact not only economically but also on the lives of our people.
“As such, the Ministry is planning to develop short animations on climate change and use social media platforms to raise awareness and promote efforts to sustain our environment,” he said.
DOE director Hamzah Mohamad, Sarawak Energy Berhad senior vice president for Health, Safety, Security and Environment Marconi Madai, MBKS councillor Goh Tze Hui and NREB senior assistant controller Penny Sumok were among those present. — DayakDaily
