S’wak deputy minister calls on project developers, stakeholders to practise self-regulation

SIBU (Sept 7): Developers and project proponents are urged to practise self-regulation to ensure that the projects not only meet standards, but also contribute positively to a sustainable and prosperous Sarawak.

Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Sarawak Datuk Len Talif Salleh said for the past 30 years, the Sarawak government through the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) had implemented comprehensive environmental regulations, guidelines and measures to ensure development progresses without causing significant harm to the environment.

Thus, he said NREB stakeholders must recognise the importance of playing their roles for complying with the law as well as for the good of humanity.

“It comes with responsibility, and responsibility comes with accountability. So each and every one of us stakeholders is responsible for our work and we should be accountable for them, not just NREB.

“With this opportunity, we need to have self-regulation.

“There is no need for NREB to oversee your job to see whether you are doing it right or wrong. You must embrace a situation so you become responsible and practise self-regulation in order for all the work to meet the regulatory standards,” he spoke at the NREB Stakeholders Engagement Programme closing ceremony held at Kingwood Hotel on Thursday.

The Kuala Rajang assemblyman also acknowledged that there was still a long way to go towards reaching such maturity, despite the NREB having been established some 30 years ago.

“We can see that there are still many who violate the laws, so we have a long way to go in educating the industry, the people, community leaders and schools.

“Still, we need to start somewhere,” he pointed out.

Additionally, Len Talif said the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS) 2030 as outlined by the Premier of Sarawak provided a clear roadmap towards sustainable development and to address global climate change.

“The Sarawak government recognises the paramount importance of a robust legal and institutional framework in addressing climate change.

“Under the visionary leadership of Sarawak Premier, we have consistently emphasised the needs to strengthen the legal and institutional framework by enacting relevant legislative requirements,” he pointed out.

Among the legislative requirements include Forest Carbon Activity Rules 2022; Carbon Storage Rules 2022; Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emissions Ordinance 2023; amendment of Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance (NREO) to ensure better regulation on environmental issues; as well as amendments of National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance and Wild Life Protection Ordinance for better conservation and preservation to Sarawak’s biodiversity.

Len Talif said to date, 19 business entities had registered with NREB under the Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission Ordinance 2023, adding that the submission of the emission report was in progress.

On another subject, he hailed Sarawak as ‘standing at the forefront of the energy transition’, with initiatives such as hydropower, solar projects and pioneering hydrogen developments being undertaken.

“Today, as we address the critical environmental issues, it is crucial to recognise the diverse roles that each of us plays. Environmental consultants provide essential expertise and mitigation measures, while project proponents and developers implement these measures through sustainable practices.

“Unlike other areas, where efforts can be ad hoc and piecemeal, environmental protection requires consistent and unified action. The government, the private sector and the communities must work together to safeguard the environment for future generations.

“Through strategic partnerships and a dedicated workforce, we are not just imagining a sustainable future; we are actively building it.

“This highlights our duty to act now for a healthier, sustainable future. Let’s commit to this responsibility and work together to make a lasting impact,” he said.

Also present at the event was Environmental Quality Sarawak controller Jack Liam.