KUCHING: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak is awaiting the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s assent to Article 95C of the Federal Constitution and the amendment of the Environmental Quality Act (EQA) 1974.
The move will officially pave the way for the state to assume full control over environmental matters.
Sarawak Controller of Environmental Quality Datuk Jack Liam said the development will exclude Sarawak from federal enforcement under the EQA 1974, transferring the functions to the state in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said NREB has made steady progress in preparing for the Transfer of Autonomy (TA).
“In November 2024, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) passed the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance, 2024, which incorporates relevant provisions from the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
“Once in force, this ordinance will replace the current one and marks a major milestone towards the TA on environmental matters,” 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 also said that the Department of Environment (DoE) has agreed to send two of its officers to NREB to facilitate knowledge transfer and assist NREB during this transitional period.
“At the same time, NREB officers have undergone specialised training, including certification as Environmental Professionals in Scheduled Waste Management (CePSWAM).
“Joint inspections with DoE have also been carried out to strengthen enforcement experience. In preparation, NREB has also established a Waste Management Division, whose main task is to equip officers with the necessary knowledge, guidelines, and SOPs tailored for Sarawak’s unique needs,” he said.
He added the Environmental Information Sarawak System, or EnvISS, has also been developed and is awaiting data transfer from e-SWISS.
Meanwhile, on research, Jack said NREB is currently conducting several major studies, including a review of the Sarawak Environmental Policy, river carrying capacity and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) planning, air pollution assimilation in Bintulu, and a strategic plan on peat fire and illegal open burning prevention.
The Sungai Miri Conservation Project, he said, was also being carried out in collaboration with Curtin University, Miri, under the Ecological Fiscal Transfer for Biodiversity Conservation (EFT).
“Monitoring of air and water quality remains central to NREB’s role and we operate five continuous air quality monitoring stations in Lundu, Tebedu, Lubok Antu, Bario, and Lawas.
“This year, two additional stations will be installed in Kanowit and Belaga, further strengthening our monitoring network across the state,” he said.
He also reported steady progress in waste management, noting that 41,364 kg of e-waste were collected from 19 locations in 2024, while 15,365 kg have already been collected from nine locations this year.
“Similarly, used tyre monitoring and recycling programmes have also been carried out successfully. Since 2013, more than 105,000 kilograms of used tyres have been collected, of which 81,000 kg have been recycled,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the event, NREB and Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bursa Malaysia Berhad, formalised a memorandum of collaboration (MoC) to explore the joint development of the Sarawak Carbon Registry.
