KUCHING: The amendment to Article 95C of the Federal Constitution is expected to be tabled in Parliament this December, paving the way for Sarawak to assume full responsibility over environmental governance.
Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, said the move would mark a significant milestone in the state’s pursuit for greater autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He noted that the decision was agreed upon during the Implementation Action Council meeting chaired by the Prime Minister in Kuching on September 12.
“The suspension of the Environmental Quality Act (EQA) 1974 under Article 95C will empower Sarawak to regulate scheduled waste management, marking the first step towards the full devolution of environmental functions,” he said when closing the Stakeholder Engagement Programme Series 2/2025 at Imperial Hotel Kuching today.
Dr Hazland added that the state had already laid the groundwork by enacting the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance 2024, which provides a strong legal framework for assuming these responsibilities.
“In preparation, NREB is currently drafting the necessary subsidiary regulations to ensure Sarawak is fully prepared to implement and enforce environmental functions once the transfer of powers is formalised,” he explained.
The amendment, he stressed, would enable policies and strategies to be tailored to Sarawak’s unique environmental conditions and development needs.
“Effective environmental governance relies not only on strong legislation but also on clear procedures, professional integrity, and a collective commitment to responsibility. Implementation must be consistent, transparent, and guided by high standards,” he said.
Describing the devolution of powers as a turning point, Dr Hazland said it would allow Sarawak to safeguard its natural resources and lead its own sustainability agenda.
“Our vision is clear: to build a future-ready Sarawak where economic progress goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship.
“Together, these policies reflect our unwavering commitment to a resilient, low-carbon, and environmentally responsible Sarawak that will benefit future generations,” he added.
