Environmental Quality Bill 2026 strengthens Sabah, Sarawak rights under MA63, says minister

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 28): The passing of the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat on Feb 25 marks a significant milestone in strengthening Sabah and Sarawak’s constitutional position under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63)

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Sabah and Sarawak affairs Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the amendment grants both states authority over the management and regulation of scheduled waste on land and in state waters, in line with Article 95C of the Federal Constitution.

“This clearly reflects the seriousness and commitment of the Madani government in reinforcing the position of Sabah and Sarawak within the MA63 framework,” he said in a statement.

He added that the move is part of the 29 MA63 claims deliberated through various negotiation platforms, including the MA63 Implementation Action Council (MTPMA63), chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

“Through the MTPMA63 platform, this matter underwent negotiation processes, legal scrutiny and policy coordination before being translated into legislative amendments,” he said.

Mustapha stressed that empowering MA63 is a continuous process, describing the amendment as ‘one of the success stories in strengthening the rights of Sabah and Sarawak under the Madani government’s leadership’.