Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg (right) striking a gong to open the 10th World Congress of Herpetology in Kuching on Monday (Aug 5). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak is looking into amending its National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance for better environmental protection and stiffer penalties, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
The Premier said the state Attorney-General was studying the legislation to improve the management of national parks in Sarawak.
"Once the study has been done and recommended by the Attorney-General, then we will discuss the details in the state Cabinet.
"After that, we will bring it to the State Legislative Assembly for the amendments," he told reporters after opening the 10th World Congress of Herpetology here on Monday (Aug 5).
Abang Johari said improving the state's environmental protocols was important to preserve the state's biodiversity.
He added that penalties must be sufficient to deter encroachment into protected areas and other environmental offences.
"Certain rules must govern how we manage our national parks and nature reserves, including penalties.
"If somebody goes against (the law), we may have to determine the penalties, including imprisonment," he said.
In his speech earlier, Abang Johari said upcoming amendments to the National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance and Wildlife Protection Ordinance would include steeper fines and prison sentences.
He said the proposed amendments were part of ongoing legislative changes to complement the state's policies on environmental protection and sustainable development.
He said that Sarawak has passed the Forest (Forest Carbone Activity) Rules 2022, Land (Carbon Storage) Rules 2022, and Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023.
He added, "We have also amended our Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance to better regulate environmental issues for sustainable resource management and protection of environmental quality in the state."
