Abg Jo: S’wak examining stiffer penalties for environmental crimes, current laws insufficient deterrent

KUCHING (Aug 8): Sarawak is looking into amending its National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance as well as the Wildlife Protection Ordinance to include steeper fines and prison sentences, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the State Attorney-General is currently looking into the ordinances for what could be improved for Sarawak to better manage its national parks.

“Once the study has been completed and the recommendation is presented by the AG, we will discuss the details in the Cabinet and after that, it is up to the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) to pass the amendment,” he told reporters after officiating at the 10th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH10) here.

He said Sarawak is looking into key areas of the ordinances in terms of the environmental protocol involving national parks, nature parks, and so on.

“Our green environment must be preserved and there must be certain rules that cover how we manage them as well as the penalties imposed.

“If somebody goes against the law then we may have to determine the penalty on them such as imprisonment and so on,” he said, adding that the present law was insufficient as there have been many cases of encroachment.

In his speech, Abang Johari said Sarawak has made changes in its legislation to complement its green economy policies including the Forest (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules, 2022, which outline Forest Carbon Activity in any permanent forest under State Land or Alienated Land; Land (Carbon Storage) Rules, 2022, which outline the use of land for the development of storage sites for scheduled gases, including atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHGs); and Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance, 2023, aimed at protecting Sarawak’s environment by implementing strategies to reduce GHG emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“We have to do amendments to our Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (NREO) which better regulates on the environmental issues; for sustainable management of natural resources, and protect environmental quality in the state,” he said.

Abang Johari said Sarawak’s green economy initiative is a response the challenges posed by climate change and the need to develop a lush landscape of sustainable opportunities and environmental protection, where nature and industry seamlessly intertwine through sustainable industries, such as renewable energy, eco-tourism, and sustainable agriculture.

“Sarawak recognises that economic growth is important, and we are committed to promoting ‘green’ opportunities that will drive GDP (gross domestic product) growth while also reducing our impact on the environment.

“We understand that sustainable development requires balancing economic growth with responsible resource use and consumption patterns, in order to protect our environment and mitigate the effects of climate change,” he said.

He also said the Sarawak Green Economy is dedicated to promoting economic growth while also preserving the delicate balance of its natural resources.

“By prioritising the quality of growth over the quantity of growth, the Sarawak government can ensure that the economic benefits of development are shared by all members of society and that the environment is protected for future generations.

“Sarawak Green Economy will also integrate circular economy approaches to produce high value-added products and energy sources to offset its associated carbon footprint,” he said.

On Sarawak’s biological diversity, Abang Johari said the state, over the past two years, has been in the process of documenting 18 newly-discovered species, 12 of which are frog species and the others being cockroaches, beetles, and lizards.

“These rich resources remain centred in the state’s Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) forest lands established under the provisions of the National Parks Ordinance, 1998 and Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1998,” he said.

He added Sarawak will continue to encourage science to discover all these new species and collaborate with researchers within the region of Sarawak, as well as those in Malaysia, and internationally.