KUCHING (Nov 25): The Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill 2025 was passed today by voice vote at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN), paving the way for a dedicated authority to regulate and advance the state’s waste-to-wealth agenda.

A total of 24 DUN members present supported the Bill, with no opposition.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, in his winding-up speech, said the legislation aims to strengthen environmental governance and accelerate Sarawak’s transition toward a circular, renewable-energy driven economy.

“Clause 3 provides for the creation of the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Authority (SRWMA), which will serve as the central body to regulate, coordinate and promote all activities related to sustainable resource utilisation and waste management across the state,” he said.

The SRWMA will oversee waste segregation, collection, treatment, recycling, and disposal, issue guidelines, require reports, and approve plans or projects to ensure compliance.

The law will be administered by the minister responsible for energy and environmental sustainability.

Among the authority’s core functions are formulating management systems, coordinating with federal and state agencies, recommending policies, and spearheading public education campaigns on sustainable resource use and waste management.

Beyond regulation, SRWMA will also promote investment, innovation, research, and capacity-building, engaging potential investors to support Sarawak’s green initiatives and boost the state’s competitiveness in emerging industries.

The Bill grants the authority enforcement powers, including the ability to arrest and compound offenders, conduct searches and seizures, and dispose of or forfeit goods in accordance with the law.

Non-compliance may result in fines of RM20,000 to RM50,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

Uggah described the legislation as a milestone in Sarawak’s sustainability efforts, reflecting Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s call to “Don’t waste the wastes — monetise the wastes.”

Uggah highlighted Sarawak’s vast biomass resources, ranging from palm oil residues and woody biomass to sago and municipal wastes, which hold significant potential for clean energy generation and value-added industries.

Under the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy (SET-P), bioenergy is expected to contribute meaningfully to the state’s energy mix by 2035.

He noted that the palm oil industry alone generates large volumes of empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm oil mill effluent (POME), and palm kernel shell (PKS) each year, all of which can be converted into various forms of energy and bio-based products.

Sarawak is also exploring biomass co-firing at existing power plants and the feasibility of converting municipal solid waste into energy.

The resources are abundant, but utilisation remains limited due to regulatory and logistical challenges, Uggah said.

“The new Bill seeks to bridge this gap by establishing the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Authority, tasked with proper and efficient utilisation and management of resources and wastes, promoting further green investment, coordinating policy implementation, and enforcing compliance.”

He added that the Bill empowers the authority to provide incentives for private sector participation, alongside clear provisions on offences and penalties to ensure accountable management of sustainable resources and wastes.

“The enactment of this Bill strengthens Sarawak’s ability to manage its resources responsibly while opening new economic opportunities for the people,” he said.

“It reflects our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and long-term environmental stewardship.”

The passing of the Bill reinforces Sarawak’s broader agenda under the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint, the Sarawak Energy Transition Policy, and PCDS 2030.

Uggah said it advances Sarawak’s efforts to build a resilient, low-carbon economy and positions the state as a regional leader in sustainable resources, waste management, and renewable energy development.