KUCHING – The Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, accompanied by Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi, received a courtesy visit from Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability YB Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup at the Sarawak Astana on 9 April. The meeting commenced at 10.00 am and lasted for more than an hour.
The delegation included senior officials from the ministry, among them Datuk Wira Anis Rizana Mohamad Zainudin, Secretary General; Dato’ LSr Hazri Hasan, Director General of the Department of Survey and Mapping; Dr Salahudin Hidayat Shariff, Legal Advisor; and Datuk Muhammad Yasir Yahya, Secretary of the Land, Survey and Geospatial Division.
Other representatives present were Siva Kumar Solay Rajah from the Biodiversity and Forestry Management Division, Ahmad Farid Mohammed from the Climate Division, Willy Leong as Political Secretary, Ahmad Fadzil Ramli as Senior Private Secretary, and Datin Hajah Aslina Arshad from the Strategic Planning and International Relations Division.
Discussions focused on several pressing issues. One of the key topics was the progress of border demarcation involving Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesia.
The ministry reaffirmed that the Sarawak Government would remain actively engaged throughout the process to ensure clarity and cooperation across jurisdictions.
Another matter raised was the restitution of undeveloped Federal lands to the Sarawak Government. This initiative is expected to strengthen state-level management and provide opportunities for more effective land use.
Additionally, talks included the devolution of powers concerning scheduled waste management under the Federal Environmental Quality Act, which is currently being transferred to Sarawak authorities.
Tun Pehin Sri Wan Junaidi also shared his insights from his previous tenure as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, offering perspectives on policy implementation and challenges.
The conversation extended to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), highlighting the importance of continued dialogue on matters of autonomy and resource management.
The Governor and Toh Puan Fauziah expressed appreciation to Dato’ Sri Arthur Joseph Kurup for the ministry’s cooperation with Sarawak.
They emphasised that such engagements reflect the commitment of both state and federal leadership to strengthen collaboration, safeguard the environment, and promote the well-being of Sarawak’s people.
The visit underscored the importance of strategic partnerships in addressing environmental sustainability, land governance, and cross-border issues.
It also demonstrated the ongoing efforts to balance federal responsibilities with Sarawak’s rights under MA63, ensuring that development aligns with both ecological preservation and community interests.
