The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) made significant strides this year by unanimously passing several bills. Among them were the RM15.8 billion Budget for 2025, the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024, the Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024, and various amendment bills focused on enhancing public health and environmental governance.
Supply Bill 2025
The DUN unanimously passed the RM15.8 billion Supply Bill 2025 (Sarawak Budget 2025), marking a significant step towards a prosperous economy, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability in the state on November 20, 2024.
The Premier and Finance and New Minister, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, introduced the Budget on November 11 to emphasize the government’s commitment to building a prosperous future for all Sarawakians.
The Budget represents a 16 per cent increase from the previous year, with operating and development expenditures rising from RM13.6 billion in 2024 to RM15.8 billion.
“The Budget proposes a total ordinary expenditure of RM13.7 billion, of which RM4.9 billion is for operating expenditure while RM8.8 billion is for appropriation to the Development Fund Account.
“This appropriation is to top up the brought forward balance in the Development Fund Account to finance the 2025 Development Expenditure budgeted at RM10.9 billion.
“With the projected revenue of RM14.2 billion and total Ordinary Expenditure of RM13.7 billion, the Budget is expected to generate a surplus of RM486 million,” Abang Johari said.
“The 2025 State Budget will boost government spending that will further stimulate the state’s economic growth,” the Premier said.
Under the theme “Together Building a Prosperous Future,” the budget focuses on enhancing development in key sectors to stimulate economic growth, improve public services, and uplift communities across the state.
The Natural Resources And Environment Bill 2024
The Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024 is landmark legislation addressing environmental concerns while fostering sustainable economic growth. It was passed on November 12, 2024.
The Deputy Premier and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan, who tabled the Bill, described it as a comprehensive framework to strengthen environmental protection laws and promote long-term socio-economic progress.
“This Bill offers a comprehensive framework that strengthens environmental protection laws and promotes long-term socio-economic growth.
“The Bill provides Sarawak with the tools to minimize environmental degradation while encouraging economic development. Regulating emissions, waste, and pollution from industries ensures a cleaner, healthier environment for Sarawak’s citizens, fostering a better quality of life,” he said during his winding-up speech on the Bill.
Aligned with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), the Bill grants Sarawak greater autonomy over environmental governance, empowering the state to preserve its unique ecosystems while pursuing sustainable growth.
Public engagement, transparency, and enforcement will be prioritized to enhance the Natural Resources and Environment Board’s (NREB) capabilities through advanced technologies.
“This Bill allows Sarawak to exercise full autonomy over its environmental governance, strengthening its ability to preserve its unique ecosystems while fostering sustainable economic and social development.
“The NREB and other relevant agencies are conducting and will continue with various awareness programmes to increase environmental protection awareness, and there are also ongoing exercises to engage with the public on multiple platforms.
“And the government recognizes the importance of enforcement and assured the strengthening of enforcement through expertise, manpower, and adaptation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Big Data,” he said.
Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024
The Sarawak Ports Authority Bill 2024, tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and passed on May 7, 2024, aims to establish a centralized Sarawak Ports Authority, replacing the pre-Malaysia Ports Authorities Ordinance 1961 and all existing port authorities.
“It is well within the legislative power of this August house to enact this Bill as Ports and Harbours (except for those declared Federal Ports) are listed as item 15 in List IIA (Supplement to the States List for Sabah and Sarawak) in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution,” Uggah said.
Uggah stated that the Port Authorities Ordinance 1961 will be repealed upon the Bill’s enactment, but its subsidiary legislation will remain effective until replaced or revoked under the new law.
“The new law shall affect any agreements or arrangements made or executed by the existing port authorities, and any provisions in such contracts repugnant to the new law are void.
“Any prosecution, suit, etc., pending or existing by or against the dissolved port authorities may be continued and enforced by or against the Authority or successor company,” he said.
Amended Bills in 2024
Several amendment bills were also passed during the DUN sitting, including a ministerial motion to amend its Standing Orders.
The Standing Order amendments, approved on November 12, 2024, require individuals to ask questions or make statements to verify the accuracy or truthfulness of comments or allegations sourced from newspapers, online news portals, social media, other online platforms, or private individuals or organizations.
During the DUN meeting in May, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian tabled the Protection of Public Health (Amendment) Bill 2024.
The amendments passed on May 7, 2024, aim to strengthen the Protection of Public Health Ordinance provisions, focusing on the licensing and cleanliness of food premises, the licensing and maintenance of land used for cemeteries and funeral parlours, and the authority for entry and investigation.
Additionally, the amendments include an increase in the general penalty, which has remained unchanged since 1999.
The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (Amendment) Bill 2024 was also passed on May 7, 2024, aiming to refine, strengthen, and enhance the legal framework for protecting and managing protected areas and wildlife in Sarawak while ensuring no overlap of responsibilities between the Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) and Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
The Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2024 was presented by the Minister of Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, while the Natural Resources and Environment Bill 2024, tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, was passed on May 11, 2024.
This amendment grants authority to establish regulations on various aspects of hydrogen, including licensing procedures, specifications, standards for hydrogen production, hydrogen quality, safety measures, and the decommissioning of facilities.
