KUCHING: Public participation will be key to the success of Sarawak’s climate policies as the state moves to strengthen its legal framework and enforcement against environmental challenges.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, said while the government has strengthened its legal framework to address climate change, the success of these policies ultimately depends on how well they are understood and practised by the people.
“The legal framework is already in place, but what matters is how it is implemented and translated on the ground,” he said when met by reporters at his open house.
He said various agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), local councils and relevant federal bodies, are actively involved in ensuring enforcement and public awareness.
Len Talif stressed that individuals must adopt a mindset aligned with environmental sustainability, noting that collective responsibility is essential in tackling climate challenges.
He said Sarawak is nearing its target of gazetting one million hectares of land as Totally Protected Areas (TPAs), with close to 900,000 hectares already designated as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves.
He added that public engagement remains a key component in the gazettement process, including ongoing consultations with communities in areas such as Paya Maga in Lawas.
Meanwhile, he cautioned the public against open burning, particularly as drier weather conditions are expected in the coming months.
“As conditions become drier, we urge the public not to carry out open burning, as it can worsen the situation,” he said.
He warned that extreme weather patterns, including prolonged heat and heavy rainfall, could increase environmental risks such as wildfires and flooding.
Len Talif also said the government is exploring improvements in solid waste management, including efforts to reduce reliance on landfills as part of broader environmental protection measures, with further announcements on these initiatives will be made in due course.
