KUCHING: Sarawak is strengthening efforts to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) ramping up implementation of the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023 as part of the state’s journey towards net zero emissions by 2050.
The ordinance establishes a legal framework to regulate, monitor and reduce GHG emissions from scheduled economic sectors, beginning with the oil and gas and energy industries, while ensuring economic growth remains aligned with environmental sustainability.
According to a statement, NREB has strengthened its institutional capacity, technical expertise and regulatory systems to support implementation and enforcement of the ordinance across the affected sectors.
To reinforce the framework, two subsidiary legislations have been introduced, namely the Qualifications and Registration of Accredited External Auditors Rules 2025 and the Flaring and Venting Rules 2025, which regulate petroleum gas flaring and venting activities in the oil and gas sector.
Business entities operating in scheduled sectors are now required to register with NREB and submit annual Carbon Emission Reports verified by accredited external auditors registered with the board.
The reporting framework is expected to strengthen Sarawak’s GHG emissions inventory, improve emissions monitoring and provide regulators with more reliable data to guide future climate policies and regulatory decisions.
To streamline compliance, NREB has also developed the Greenhouse Gas Management System, a digital platform for business registration, Carbon Emission Report submissions, auditor registration and applications for flaring and venting consent.
The board has also been engaging industry players through stakeholder sessions and one to one consultations to improve awareness and ensure businesses are prepared to comply with the new regulatory requirements.
Sarawak has further expanded its carbon governance framework by appointing the Controller of NREB as the Registrar for the state’s Carbon Credits Register from March 1, 2025, paving the way for participation in future carbon management and carbon market mechanisms.
The board said the implementation of the ordinance reflects Sarawak’s commitment to balancing industrial development with environmental stewardship while building a practical framework to reduce emissions and support sustainable economic growth.
