SEMATAN – A new bill designed to comprehensively regulate waste management across all sectors will be presented before the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) next month. The announcement was made by the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg.
He revealed that the proposed legislation encompasses all types of waste and is intended to preserve the environmental cleanliness of the entire state. The Premier made these comments during his address at the Sarawak National Environment Day 2025 celebration, held at the Roxy Beach Resort here on Wednesday.
He highlighted a significant regulatory gap, stating that there is currently no single, overarching law that mandates and standardises waste management procedures throughout Sarawak. The forthcoming bill aims to fill this legislative void. The Premier presented a forward-looking perspective on waste, suggesting it holds economic potential.
He remarked that waste can, in fact, generate income and represents an integral aspect of the state’s development cycle. The Third Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly is scheduled to convene from the 24th of November to the 3rd of December 2025, where the bill is expected to be tabled for debate and approval.
In his wider speech, the Premier connected this legislative move to Sarawak’s broader developmental strategy. He emphasised that progress in the state is balanced, where the focus on the digital economy is matched by an equally important commitment to a green economy.
The term “green economy,” he explained, symbolises a commitment to defending the state’s verdant landscape and ensuring the sustainability of both the earth and local lifestyles rooted in beauty and cleanliness.
This initiative is part of a series of activities launched to protect and maintain the greenery within Sarawak. The Premier also issued a reminder to all segments of society, urging them to consistently champion environmental sustainability to ensure a clean and healthy living environment for all.
He further noted that a pristine environment is a significant draw for tourists, directly linking effective waste management and conservation efforts to the growth of the state’s tourism sector.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh, and Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil.
Also, present were Tanjong State Assemblyman Datu Azizul Annuar Adenan and Sarawak Environmental Quality Controller Datu Jack Liam.
