S’wak to mandate environmental audits for agriculture, mining sectors by 2027 after 48 rivers found polluted

File photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo credit: PIXABAY

By Amanda L

KUCHING, May 20: Sarawak will make Environmental Compliance Audits (ECA) mandatory for the agriculture, quarrying and mining sectors by 2027 following findings that 48 of the 66 monitored rivers in the State remain polluted.

Sarawak Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the move follows the implementation of mandatory ECA for the forestry sector beginning July 2025 under the Natural Resources and Environment (Audit) Rules, 2008.

“The initiative is aimed at strengthening environmental governance through an industry self-regulatory approach with audits conducted by competent auditors registered under the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).

“As of April 2026, a total of 308 auditors have been registered, reflecting increased capacity for ECA implementation throughout Sarawak,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.

Awang Tengah who is also Deputy Premier said preparations are underway ahead of the 2027 rollout, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Feb 25 signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Feb 25 this year involving 12 agriculture companies and two quarrying and mining companies for pilot projects.

At the same time, he said NREB continues to implement the River Water Quality Monitoring Programme (RWQMP), covering 66 rivers across Sarawak to monitor ambient river water quality and detect changes in pollution trends.

Based on monitoring results for 2025 using the Water Quality Index (WQI), 18 rivers were classified as “clean”, 43 as “moderately polluted” and five as “polluted”.

He said the monitoring programme serves as a basis for planning and implementing more effective river management measures across the State. — DayakDaily