THE Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025 (the Bill) is viewed as a visionary and progressive step that reflects Sarawak’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, indigenous rights, and sustainable development.
In showing support for the Bill, Ba Kelalan Assemblyman, Baru Bian, said the Bill formally recognises indigenous communities as custodians of Sarawak’s forests, giving them a role in the governance of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC).
“The Bill, therefore, is as much about cultural justice as it is about environmental protection,” he said.
He said this when debating on the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025 tabled by the Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
Baru also said the Bill provides for the protection of Intellectual Property (IP) Rights.
“Clause 4 of the Bill, which introduces a new provision under Section 6(o) of the Principal Ordinance.
“This clause empowers the Sarawak Biodiversity Council to ‘create, develop, apply for, own, and hold intellectual property rights arising out of research and development under this Ordinance’.
“It further allows the Council to enter into arrangements with individuals, organisations, or institutions for the commercial application of these rights, ensuring that benefits whether through royalties, commissions, fees, or profit-sharing schemes are equitably distributed,” he said.
He added by vesting intellectual property rights in the Council and enabling partnerships with indigenous communities, the amendment ensures that the benefits of biodiversity research flow back to Sarawakians, particularly to the native communities.
“In addition, the Bill embraces the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), aligning with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
“Though not legally binding in Malaysia, this step boosts Sarawak’s reputation as a leader in rights-based environmental governance,” he said.
