KUALA LUMPUR: Amendments to the Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill will grant Sabah and Sarawak legislative authority over the management of scheduled waste, says Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup.
He said the changes are in line with Article 95C of the Federal Constitution, adding that the eighth amendment to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 gives the two states autonomy in implementing certain provisions under the Act.
“The rights and powers of autonomy specifically allocated to Sabah and Sarawak have always been preserved and even enhanced, in line with what was agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia.
“This amendment is also consistent with the spirit of federalism enshrined in the Federal Constitution,” he said when tabling the Bill for second reading in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Feb 25).
He added that the amendment follows a decision made at the Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MKMA63) meeting on April 14, 2022, together with the Sabah and Sarawak state governments, to grant authority to manage and regulate scheduled waste on land and in the waters of the respective states.
According to Kurup, the proposed amendment not only aims to strengthen governance in scheduled waste disposal, but also reflects the Madani government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the Malaysia Agreement 1963.
When winding up the debate later, Kurup addressed concerns over checks and balances in the proposed amendments, which empower the minister to suspend the operation of the entire Act or any of its provisions in different parts of Malaysia.
“Any such decision must first be reviewed by the Attorney-General’s Chambers and also requires Cabinet approval.
“This ensures the law is implemented uniformly and efficiently. The checks and balances are clearly spelt out and will not be exercised arbitrarily,” he said.
The Bill was later passed by voice vote.
