THE Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) will be able to operate more effectively and sustainably following the passing of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which grants greater autonomy to the centre and its council.
Meluan assemblyman Rolland Duat Jubin said empowering the Council with additional authority was crucial to allow the centre to fulfil its conservation mandate more efficiently.
“By granting the Biodiversity Centre greater autonomy in its management, it can operate more effectively and efficiently, leveraging its expertise to achieve its conservation goals,” he said.
He said this during debate time at the House in support of the Bill on Tuesday (May 20).
He added that among the new provisions introduced were powers for the Council to generate and manage its own revenue, including through research services, ecotourism and education programmes, as well as to create, own and commercialise intellectual property.
He also noted the importance of enabling the Council to apply for loans or other financial assistance from government and non-government entities locally or abroad, which he said would ensure long-term operational stability regardless of political changes.
“These amendments protect the centre from dissolution or budget cuts without proper legislative processes,” he asserted.
Separately, Rolland described the Biodiversity Centre as playing a key role in safeguarding Sarawak’s biological richness and educating the public on the importance of biodiversity.
He pointed out that Sarawak is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world and has high levels of endemism, making it critical to protect species that may be endangered or yet to be discovered.
He also supported the amendments to increase penalties under the Ordinance, particularly to address outdated compound rates.
“Penalties set decades ago have not kept pace with inflation or the financial capacity of large corporations or even individuals. Increasing the compound quantum ensures the penalty remains meaningful and proportionate in today’s context,” he said.
He stressed that tougher penalties would serve as a stronger deterrent against violations, and reinforce the principle that all parties, including corporate entities, must comply with the law.
“I support the amendment to increase the quantum of compound penalties for both individuals and body corporates in cases of breach or non-compliance,” he added.
The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was tabled by Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah.
