Premier calls for enhanced environmental regulation, innovation from NREB Sarawak

Abang Johari (front, third right) together with Awang Tengah (third left) hold up the NREB coffee table book launched during the 30th Anniversary dinner last night, along with Dr Sim (front, second right) and Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki (second left).

By Christopher Lidom and Ashley Sim

KUCHING, July 27: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak must be effective in regulating developments and innovating approaches to environmental management to mitigate environmental effects or disasters, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Speaking at NREB’s 30th Anniversary dinner held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today, Abang Johari highlighted the increasing environmental challenges faced by the State.

“As Sarawak continues to develop, it is expected that more cumulative and complex impacts will affect the environment. We have to deal with numerous and ever-increasing challenges in the management and protection of our environment and climate change issues,” he said.

Abang Johari emphasised the need to strengthen Sarawak’s legal framework to address emerging environmental issues, incorporating innovation and technology to tackle these challenges.

“NREB must have the necessary resources and capacity to enhance its enforcement capabilities and environmental monitoring, as well as ensure its officers are equipped with the necessary skills in research and development to drive sustainable environmental solutions,” he added.

In support of this goal, Controller of Environmental Quality Jack Liam announced the creation of 97 new posts within NREB over the next six years.

These positions are part of the NREB Organisational Restructuring and Manpower Requirement exercise approved by Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (MMKN) on February 28, 2024.

“This allows us to have the workforce and resources required to regulate scheduled wastes and greenhouse gases (GHG) related activities,” Liam said during the event.

The restructuring exercise also involves the establishment of three new divisions at the headquarters level and a new Kapit divisional office.

The dinner was attended by Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, and other distinguished guests. — DayakDaily