KUCHING: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak aims to broaden corporate and strategic partner participation in advancing environmental education through the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak, Datuk Jack Liam, said to support this, NREB has established the Environmental Education Fund as a platform for corporations and individuals to contribute towards environmental education and awareness initiatives across the State.
“Through this fund, NREB will expand the reach and impact of its programmes and nurture a more sustainable society, in line with the aspiration for a green, clean and healthy Sarawak.
“I urge more corporate bodies to contribute to this fund to help us deliver high-impact initiatives that advance environmental sustainability,” he said in his speech during the Sarawak-level National Environment Day (HASN) 2025 celebration at Roxy Beach Resort, Sematan, today.
Among the corporate contributors were Press Metal (Bintulu) Sdn Bhd and Tecktonic & Sons Holdings Sdn Bhd (RM40,000 each), Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd (RM20,000), DNS Waste Management Sdn Bhd, and Thian Sheng Automobile & Services Sdn Bhd (RM10,000 each).
This year, Sarawak carries the theme ‘Driving Sustainability, Achieving Net Zero’, which Jack said reflects the State’s collective direction towards sustainable development that does not compromise the environment.
He added that the theme also highlights Sarawak’s commitment to achieving net zero through renewable energy adoption, forest restoration, green innovation, and low-carbon lifestyles.
To realise this, he said the State Government has enacted the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance, 2023, with NREB as its implementing agency.
To strengthen enforcement of the Greenhouse Gases (GHG) ordinance, the Qualifications and Registrations of Accredited External Auditors Rules, 2025, took effect on May 1, while the Restrictions on Flaring and Venting Rules, 2025, will come into force on November 1.
He added that the Guidelines for Reporting and Verification of Greenhouse Gases Emission were introduced in July 2024, while the Guideline on Registration of Accredited External Auditors and Guideline for Flaring or Venting Control are being finalised.
“Industry Emission Reports for 2023 and 2024 have been compiled, and the data collected will be used to determine thresholds and levies under the studies ‘Sarawak Net Zero and Carbon Plan’ and ‘Study on Carbon Levy and Carbon Pricing of Sarawak’ , conducted by the World Bank for the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty),” he said.
He added that NREB is also collaborating with SAINS to develop the Greenhouse Gas Management System (GHG-MS) to streamline applications, reporting, and data analysis.
On environmental education and public awareness, Jack said that 197 schools have successfully established Kelab Pencinta Alam Sekitar (Kelab PALS) since November 2024, bringing the total number of clubs across Sarawak to 675.
He said NREB targets to expand the PALS programme to all schools in Sarawak by 2027, three years ahead of the original goal.
At the same event, NREB also exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with DNS Waste Management Sdn Bhd to tackle e-waste management challenges, explore the development of a Full Recovery E-waste Facility, and strengthen recycling initiatives across the State.
Meanwhile, the Guidance Document on Interpreting EIA Terms and Conditions for Forestry Sector Projects in Sarawak was officially launched.
The document was developed over two years through close collaboration between NREB and the Sarawak Timber Association (STA) Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) Working Group, with support from the Forest Department Sarawak.
The launch marked an important milestone in enhancing environmental compliance and promoting sustainable forest management in the State.
