KUCHING: The exemption of Sarawak and Sabah from the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Bill 2025 is entirely appropriate, given that Sarawak has had its own carbon-related legislation since 2022, said Senator Pele Peter Tinggom.
Debating the Bill in the Dewan Negara recently, he said Sarawak had already enacted comprehensive laws governing carbon capture, including the Sarawak Land Code (Amendment), the Land Code (Carbon Storage) Rules 2022, and the Sarawak Forest Ordinance (Amendment) 2022.
“These laws provide a legal framework for CCUS activities, covering land, airspace, and seabed jurisdiction. The Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emission) Ordinance 2023 and the Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules 2022 further regulate carbon-related initiatives,” he said.
He stressed that the exemption, as outlined in Clause 2 of the Bill, aligns with Sarawak’s legislative authority under the Federal Constitution.
He cited Article 77, which grants state legislatures the power to make laws on matters not listed under federal jurisdiction, including carbon.
“The Ninth Schedule of the Constitution places land and forests under state control. Since carbon is not explicitly listed under federal jurisdiction, it falls under state authority, reinforcing Sarawak’s legislative power in this area,” he added.
Tinggom also stressed the need for strong cooperation between the federal and state governments, particularly in Sarawak and Sabah, to develop the CCUS industry for the benefit of the nation.
