THE Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025 will expand the legal framework of the centre to recognise the role of traditional knowledge holders and allow greater commercialisation of biodiversity resources.
Debating the Bill in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly today, Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang said the updated legislation would provide formal recognition for naturalists and biodiversity experts who may not possess conventional scientific qualifications but have deep indigenous and traditional knowledge.
“These individuals play an important role in documenting and preserving Sarawak’s biodiversity and cultural heritage.
“By acknowledging their contributions through legal terminology, we are strengthening community participation and valuing indigenous knowledge systems,” he said.
Lo also noted that the amendment empowers the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) to establish corporate or profit-oriented entities.
This move, he said, would facilitate the commercialisation of research and innovation based on the state’s rich biological resources.
“For example, SBC can venture into developing pharmaceutical products, natural extracts, and biotechnological applications.
“This aligns with Sarawak’s vision to build a thriving bioeconomy and ensure that our natural assets bring real benefits to the state, our researchers, and local communities,” he added.
In addition, the Bill introduces improved benefit-sharing mechanisms and enforces stricter financial penalties to deter exploitation.
“We are instituting mechanisms to ensure that any commercial gains derived from biodiversity resources are fairly shared with the rightful stakeholders, particularly the indigenous communities who have safeguarded this knowledge for generations.
“At the same time, the Bill sets out a clear framework of financial penalties to punish unauthorised use or exploitation of Sarawak’s biological assets.
“This sends a strong message about our commitment to protecting biodiversity from misuse,” he said.
Lo said the amendment is not merely administrative but a strategic step toward positioning Sarawak as a leader in biodiversity research and sustainable development.
“As someone actively involved in community development, I fully support the Bill, especially its provisions that protect indigenous rights, foster scientific and commercial partnerships, and promote responsible environmental stewardship,” he said.
