BY SHARIFAH NONG-JASIMA & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: Six significant bills covering critical financial management, biodiversity governance, land administration, and local government reforms will be tabled at the upcoming Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting, reflecting the state government’s ongoing efforts to enhance policy frameworks and strengthen Sarawak’s development agenda.
According to the DUN Speaker, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas will table the Supplementary Supply Bills for 2024 and 2025.
“The first readings for both bills are scheduled for 20 May 2025, with the second and third readings to follow on 22 May 2025.
“These bills address state expenditure requirements and ensure financial allocations meet development priorities,” he said at a press conference held at the DUN Building today.
Meanwhile, Asfia said the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be presented during the sitting by the Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
“All three readings for this bill will take place on 20 May 2025, with Members of the House invited to debate its provisions.
“The proposed amendments seek to strengthen enforcement measures, grant the Sarawak Biodiversity Council additional powers, and introduce financial penalties of up to RM20 million for non-compliance with the Ordinance.
“Collected fines will be channelled into the State Consolidated Fund, supporting broader environmental and conservation initiatives,” he said.
He said the other important bill, the Land Code (Amendment) Bill 2025, will be tabled by Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and all readings are scheduled for 20 May 2025.
“This bill proposes amendments to 24 sections of the Land Code, and introduces three new sections, including clearer procedures for declaring wakaf and endowment lands.
“The amendments will formally provide a mechanism for individuals or the Majlis Islam Sarawak to apply for land to be declared as wakaf or religious endowment, while also opening opportunities for other religious groups with similar practices.
“Additional provisions address the regulation of rock material extraction and transportation, enhance the powers of the State Planning Authority, and streamline land management procedures,” he said.
Meanwhile, Asfia said the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025, to be tabled by Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, is also set for its first, second and third readings on 20 May 2025.
“This bill proposes increasing the number of local councillors from 30 to 33, and empowers the State Cabinet to amend schedules under the Local Authorities Ordinance.
“These amendments aim to strengthen local governance and improve administrative efficiency at the municipal level,” he said.
Furthermore, he added that a significant legislative move will also see the proposed dissolution of the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund under the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund (Dissolution) Bill 2025.
“This bill, also tabled by Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, will have its first reading on 20 May 2025, followed by the second and third readings on 21 May 2025.
“The bill proposes repealing the Infrastructure Development Trust Fund Ordinance 1985, and dissolving the Trust Fund established under Section 3 of the Ordinance.
“All remaining funds will be transferred to the State Consolidated Fund, allowing for more effective financial management and resource allocation,” he added.
