By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Oct 29: A new bill is set to be tabled in the upcoming Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting this December to regulate the collection of all types of waste, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Speaking at the National Environment Day 2025 (Sarawak-level) celebration at a resort in Sematan today, Abang Johari said there are currently no existing laws that enable or mandate the collection of waste.
“Waste can make money. Waste is also a part of our development,” he said.
The Sarawak government is set to introduce a new law to regulate the collection and management of all types of waste within a clear legal framework.
According to Abang Johari, the legislation is vital to the success of a circular economy, as achieving economic value from waste requires scale.
“If the waste is too little, we cannot do it either. It must have a certain volume for us to add value to our waste,” he explained.
He said that the proposed bill is among the key components needed for effective environmental management. Abang Johari also mentioned ongoing discussions with the federal government as Sarawak prepares to assume full responsibility for environmental governance, in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
This transition will be realised through the implementation of Article 95C of the Federal Constitution, which is expected to be tabled this December.
Through that amendment, Sarawak will be empowered to enact its own environmental laws.
“This matter is important as we manage all our environmentally related economic activities.”
Abang Johari gave the example of semiconductor waste found in devices such as iPads, which contain valuable materials like nickel and gold, while lithium batteries are classified as hazardous waste requiring recycling, a process that must evolve alongside technological advancements.
“Which is why I asked Swinburne to open a research centre, for them to do research on the waste we’re producing and how it can be used to make other products, including chemical waste.”
Abang Johari further noted that Sarawak’s environmental management legislation must be comprehensive, covering areas such as water treatment and the use of solar panels, with their recyclable value being crucial to ensure reusability.
“These are the new things we need to manage well, and how we want to dispose of their waste by recycling it.
“There’s a need for a skilled workforce in this management, and there is also money in it.”
Also attending the event are Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Sarawak Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and Controller of Environmental Quality of the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak Datu Jack Liam. —DayakDaily
