MELAKA: The Historic City has strengthened its legal framework for forest conservation after lawmakers approved the National Forestry (Adoption) (Amendment) Enactment 2026 on the final day of Melaka legislative assembly sitting on Wednesday (July 15).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the Bill was introduced to enable the state to fully adopt the National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act A1667), which was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on July 18, 2022, the Dewan Negara on Aug 8, 2022, received Royal Assent and was gazetted on Sept 20, 2022.
He said the move was in line with the Melaka executive council's decision on Nov 22, 2023, which was subsequently confirmed on Dec 13, 2023, approving the adoption of Act A1667 in its entirety.
Ab Rauf said the adoption of the legislation would not involve any financial implications for the state government.
However, he said its implementation was expected to significantly strengthen the management of permanent forest reserves through a more systematic, integrated and effective approach, while ensuring the continued conservation of ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity.
"The Bill will also enhance the effectiveness of forest enforcement by strengthening enforcement powers and introducing more comprehensive enforcement mechanisms, thereby reinforcing governance of the forestry sector in Melaka," he said when tabling the Bill in the assembly proceedings on Wednesday (July 15).
Ab Rauf said the proposed amendments comprised Clause 1, which provides for the short title and commencement of the proposed enactment.
He said Clause 2 was amended to provide for the full adoption of the National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022 (Act A1667) in Melaka.
The Bill was passed with a majority of 27 votes in favour, while one assemblyman was absent.
