KUCHING (Nov 25): Sarawak is set to establish a dedicated Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Authority to regulate, coordinate and promote the state’s efforts in turning waste into economic value under a new Bill tabled at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the establishment of the authority, provided under Clause 3 of the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill, 2025, is a crucial step to strengthen Sarawak’s environmental governance and accelerate its transition toward a circular and renewable-energy driven economy.

“Clause 3 of the Bill incorporates a provision to establish a dedicated authority to regulate, coordinate, and promote sustainable resources and waste management throughout the state.

“The minister responsible for the implementation and administration of the Bill is the minister with the responsibility for energy and environmental sustainability,” he said when tabling the Bill for its second reading this morning.

He said the authority is empowered to regulate and oversee all activities related to sustainable resources and waste management in the state, including segregation, collection, treatment, recycling and disposal.

“The authority may issue guidelines or directions, require reports, and approve related plans or projects to ensure effective management and compliance,” he added.

He said the core functions of the authority, which include, among others, formulating and implementing systems or mechanisms for sustainable resources and waste management, coordinating with federal and state agencies, and recommending related policies to the minister.

“In carrying out these responsibilities, the authority also oversees planning and coordination of all activities in this sector, develops management systems for various industries, and undertakes efforts to educate and inform the public on sustainable resources and waste management matters.

“In addition, the authority is also responsible to promote investment, research, innovation, and capacity building by engaging with potential investors and financiers to advance sustainable initiatives across Sarawak,” he said.

Uggah, who is Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, also said that the authority will be able to carry out enforcement activities, including the power to arrest and compound any person who has committed an offence, as outlined in Part IV of the Bill.

“It further grants the authority the power to conduct searches and seizures as well as to dispose of or forfeit goods in accordance with the provisions of the Bill.

“Non-compliance with a direction, notice, or order issued by the authority or the chief executive officer under this Bill is an offence and upon conviction, is liable to a fine of a minimum amount of RM20,000 up to RM50,000 or imprisonment up to five years or both,” he said.

Describing the Bill as an important step in advancing Sarawak’s environmental sustainability, circular economy and energy transition, Uggah said it aligns with the Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s call to “Don’t waste the wastes — monetise the wastes.”

“The enactment of this Bill will confer upon Sarawak the authority to regulate sustainable resources and wastes in an effective and efficient manner.

“This legislative measure reaffirms the state’s commitment to advancing its sustainability agenda, harnessing economic opportunities arising from the utilisation of sustainable resources and wastes, and strengthening the framework for long-term environmental governance in Sarawak,” he said.