State to give more bite to parks, wildlife laws

KUCHING: Sarawak is set to amend its National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998 to enhance the management of its parks.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the upcoming amendments would also encompass the state’s Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998, introducing steeper fines and prison sentences.

He assured that relevant studies are underway, with the state Attorney General (AG) currently examining the principal ordinance.

“Once the study is completed and recommended by the AG, we will discuss the details in the Cabinet before passing it to the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) for the amendment.

“Our focus is on key areas of environmental protocol, particularly our National and Nature Parks, to ensure the preservation of our green environment.

“There must be rules governing how we manage these areas and the penalties involved,” he said after launching the 10th World Congress of Herpetology 2024 at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).

He emphasised that while Sarawak has laws focusing on related areas, the current legal provisions are insufficient.

Abang Johari noted that the state has seen a significant number of violations due to encroachments on state-owned national and nature parks.

Under the new amendment, he said the state may impose stricter penalties, including imprisonment for offenders.

“For example, in Thailand, poachers kill elephants just for their trunks, which is unacceptable.

“Before such incidents occur here, we need to have robust laws in place to protect our environment,” he said.

The National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance 1998, last amended in May 2008, consists of 38 Sections divided into six Parts.

It includes provisions for appointing the Controller of National Parks and Nature Reserves, the functions and duties of the Controller, the constitution of a national park or nature reserve within a forest reserve, the appointment of a managing agent, the assessment and decision on compensation, offences and penalties, among other aspects.

Meanwhile, the Wild Life Protection Ordinance 1998 provides better provisions for the protection of wildlife, the establishment and management of wildlife sanctuaries and all matters ancillary thereto.

This Ordinance provides for the protection, management and conservation of species of wildlife in Sarawak.