KUCHING: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak could one day transform into a strategic corporate body capable of generating its own revenue while driving the state’s circular economy agenda, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He outlined his vision for NREB to move beyond its current role as a regulator and adopt a corporate-driven model, similar to other state entities.
“Now we are restructuring our government-linked companies (GLCs). And at the same time we want to establish a lean-lean civil service.
“In other words, power will be given to our agency. And the agency has the freedom to manage its tasks based on what we call private sector driven management,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the NREB Excellence and Service Awards Night at Hilton Hotel here on Wednesday (Oct 8).
He added that under such a model, NREB would be empowered to generate its own income, reinvest its earnings, and return dividends to the government as shareholder.
Importantly, he said, the board’s scheme of service would not be tied to the conventional civil service system but designed independently to reflect its corporate character.
“NREB’s function is more or less like a corporate body. To achieve this, it has to venture into the corporate field,” he said.
Abang Johari said waste management could become a cornerstone of this transformation, with NREB spearheading initiatives to monetise waste through the circular economy.
He suggested turning plastics into road-building material, using palm oil residue to produce biomass and biochar, and even converting biogas into aviation fuel.
“Just imagine that AirBorneo uses fuel produced by NREB,” he added.
He said the upcoming State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting would see the tabling of a new law on mandatory waste collection, providing the legal framework to support such initiatives.
“We collect the waste, with sufficient volume, you can produce a new product,” he said.
He underlined that the circular economy concept would not only clean and preserve Sarawak’s environment but also create new industries.
“Don’t waste the waste. Monetise the waste. Who has the mandate to collect the waste? NREB. And with that waste, you monetise the waste.
“Who will get the benefit? NREB. The government is only the shareholder. But the rest is up to you,” he said.
He also stressed that Sarawak now has greater autonomy over environmental matters following discussions with the federal government, which has agreed to amend laws to give the state full power in this area.
“Meaning you have the privilege and unless it is a national issue, as far as domestic (environmental management) is concerned, it is on the shoulders of the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government,” he said.
Abang Johari also presented awards to 32 officers who received the NREB Service Medal for over 20 years of dedicated service, while 18 officers were honored with the Excellent Service Award (APC) for outstanding performance in 2024.
