Environment Bill: Sabah, Sarawak ready to assume powers over scheduled waste, says Syed Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR (March 9): Engagement sessions and discussions held by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability found that Sabah and Sarawak are ready to be granted legislative powers in the management of scheduled waste through the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Dewan Negara was told today.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said the Sabah and Sarawak state governments have been actively involved in the process of granting the powers since 2022, with coordination meetings held with both state governments to ensure they are fully prepared to implement their respective action plans.

He said this while winding up the debate on the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2026, which was passed by the Dewan Negara today after being debated by 17 senators.

He said several matters must be mutually agreed upon between the federal government and the governments of Sabah and Sarawak, including the enactment of laws at the state level related to the bill.

“The ordinance on natural resources and environment was passed by the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly on Nov 12, 2024. The ordinance aims to provide better provisions for the conservation of natural resources, pollution control and environmental management in Sarawak.

“In Sabah, the state government, through the Sabah Environmental Protection Department, is finalising eight pieces of draft legislation. Several amendments need to be made, so the process is ongoing, and it is targeted to be tabled at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly in November 2026,” he said.

Syed Ibrahim said the bill was tabled as a strategic step by the government to strengthen the country’s environmental legal framework in line with the principles of federalism, good governance and commitment to the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

He said the amendments are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the country’s environmental management system remains responsive, flexible and resilient in facing future challenges.

The House will sit again tomorrow. – Bernama