PROVISIONS under the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill, 2025 will significantly deter illegal dumping and irresponsible practices.
This is because there will be a clear licensing regime for collectors, transporters and facility operators, coupled with meaningful penalties for violations.
“The enforcement powers granted to authorised officers are substantial, ensuring that regulations are not merely symbolic but fully enforceable,” said Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng Jin Ek.
“This sends a strong message: the era of unregulated waste disposal is over,” he stressed while debating in support of the Bill during the DUN sitting today.
But in the same breath he cautioned that compliance costs, such as segregation infrastructure or licensing fees should not become an undue burden, particularly for small businesses or longhouse settlements.
He said there is therefore a need to explore targeted incentives, phased implementation timelines, and technical assistance programmes to ensure inclusive participation.
“A sustainable future must be fair and accessible to all, not only to big industry players,” he said.
Chieng said the creation of a Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Authority will ensure that responsibility for this sector rests in the hands of a single, specialised and well-equipped body.
He said by consolidating expertise from various ministries, local authorities and industry, the implementation will be a more coordinated and strategic approach.
“This Authority will have the power to plan, regulate, license and enforce; ensuring effective governance and clear accountability in managing our resources and wastes,” he said.
