KUCHING: The Sarawak Government, through the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB), is fully prepared to assume scheduled waste management responsibilities under the first phase of environmental autonomy devolution, in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

Sarawak Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan noted that extensive preparations have been undertaken to bolster the state's capacity in executing these functions, including the enactment of the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance 2024 (NREO 2024).

He said the ordinance, which incorporates provisions aligned with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (EQA 1974), was passed by the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) on November 12, 2024.

“The Sarawak Government through NREB is fully prepared to take over scheduled waste management functions under the first phase of environmental autonomy devolution as enshrined under MA63,” he said.

He said this when delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the 19th Sarawak DUN Sitting on Wednesday.

He added that operational readiness is further supported by human capital development, with 35 officers obtaining certification under the Certified Environmental Professional in Scheduled Waste Sampling Protocol (CePSWASP) and 27 officers attaining Certified Environmental Professional in Scheduled Waste Management (CePSWaM) credentials.

Furthermore, another 25 officers are currently undergoing CePSWaM certification to expand workforce capabilities in scheduled waste management.

In terms of enforcement, NREB has fortified its collaboration with the Department of Environment (DOE) Sarawak, carrying out 169 joint inspections and 26 technical visits between 2024 and September 2026.

To support the implementation of these new responsibilities, 10 additional personnel have been recruited to reinforce operational and enforcement capacity.

He reiterated that the Sarawak Government remains committed to ensuring a seamless transfer of functions to elevate environmental management standards and safeguard environmental sustainability and public well-being. — UKASnews

Prepared by: Lonney Jinab
Photos: Hazrin Sunaini
Translator: Ryan Lim