Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli (left ) with. Commonwealth Lawyers Association president Peter D Maynard KC at the opening of the Borneo Rainforest Law Conference in Kota Kinabalu Monday (Feb 26).
KOTA KINABALU: Gaps within the law must be addressed for environmental conservation, says Chief Judge of Sabah and Sarawak Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Sebli.
"We must address the gaps in legislation that allow unsustainable practices and advocate for policies that ensure environmental conservation," he said when opening the three-day Borneo Rainforest Law Conference 2024 on Monday (Feb 26).
Justice Abdul Rahman suggested more stringent laws on environmental threats, citing Sabah, an ecological haven that continued to face environmental threats.
"Even in this ecological haven (Sabah), we are witnessing the impacts of environmental challenges that require our focused legal attention," he said.
Justice Abdul Rahman also said there was a need for stringent legal measures to protect the state's fauna, including endangered species such as the orang utan and pygmy elephant.
"Legal frameworks must be enhanced to deter illegal wildlife trade and ensure the preservation of Sabah's charismatic fauna for future generations," he said, adding that Sabah's vibrant marine biodiversity also faces threats from overfishing, habitat destruction and climate change.
Justice Abdul Rahman said the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Emission) Bill 2023 by the Sarawak legislative assembly was in line with Malaysia's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030.
He said it would entail promoting renewable energy sources, providing incentives for energy efficiency measures and integrating climate resilience into urban planning and development regulations.
Within Commonwealth countries, Justice Abdul Rahman said historical and environmental injustices have disproportionately impacted vulnerable communities.
"The constitutional commitment to equal protection under the law, prevalent in many Commonwealth constitutions, compels us to address environmental injustices that disproportionately affect marginalised communities," he said, adding that Commonwealth nations must unite to protect the environment.
The three-day Commonwealth law conference sees various legal experts, including judges, sharing various legal challenges faced in their respective countries in tackling environmental issues, including climate change.
