NREB to beef up manpower with 97 personnel, says controller

KUCHING (July 27): The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) aims to beef up its manpower with another 97 personnel, said its controller Jack Liam.

He said this is part of their efforts in organisational restructuring.

Presently, NREB has a total of 218 personnel.

“97 posts have been approved and will be filled over six years, allowing us to have the workforce and resources required to regulate scheduled waste and greenhouse gases (GHG) related activities,” he said during the NREB 30th Anniversary celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Friday night.

Jack said the restructuring exercise also involves establishing three new divisions at the headquarters level and a new Kapit divisional office, with the upgrading of relevant posts at both headquarters and divisional offices which took effect July 1 this year.

“This year marks a significant milestone in NREB’s history. Not only is NREB celebrating its 30th anniversary but the organisational restructuring and manpower requirements was also approved by the State Cabinet on Feb 28 to enhance the capacity and capability of NREB.

“This achievement is possible due to the guidance of the Board and leadership of the Right Honourable Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg),” he said.

Apart from increasing manpower, Jack also affirmed earlier reports that NREB would be taking over the functions of the federal Department of Environment in phases under the transfer of environmental autonomy as per the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

He said in the first phase, NREB would take over scheduled waste management in 2025 and in subsequent phases, other functions such as industrial effluent, air emission and noise and controlled substances.

“This transition marks another historic milestone, granting us greater authority and responsibility in environmental governance and enabling us to implement more localised and effective strategies,” he said.

With the enactment of the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023, the NREB is tasked with a critical role in combating climate change, he added.

“So far, we have registered 18 business entities in the energy and oil and gas sectors. We are expecting to receive their emission reports before the end of August.

“These business entities are also expected to submit comprehensive plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of the state government’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

“This commitment reflects our dedication to global environmental goals and the well-being of our planet,” he said.

Abang Johari graced the event and delivered the keynote address. Other highlights of the celebration were the presentation of NREB “Pingat Bakti” (appreciation) awards, souvenirs to past and current controllers, launching of the NREB 30th Anniversary coffee table book and presentation of Malaysia Book of Records certificate having the largest Environmental Club Network.

Among those present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian as well as State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohd Abu Bakar Marzuki.