Sarawak’s new Environmental Policy to strengthen governance, drive sustainable development
by Aileen Yap · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Nov 5): Sarawak has launched a new Environmental Policy backed by 11 pillars, 41 key targets and 111 action plans to strengthen environmental governance and guide the state’s sustainability efforts.
Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Controller of Environmental Quality Datu Jack Liam said the policy would serve as a strategic framework for managing the state’s environmental priorities while balancing economic development, environmental protection and social inclusivity.
He said the policy was grounded in six core governance principles and covered four strategic areas: Environmental Management; Climate Change; Social Inclusivity and Public Responsibility; and Research, Education and Public Awareness.
“The policy’s implementation is supported by 11 pillars, 41 key targets and 111 action plans, in line with Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said during the state-level National Environment Day (HASN) 2026 celebration here today.
The event, themed ‘Inspired by Nature, For Climate, For the Future’, was officiated by caretaker Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, representing caretaker Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
On climate action, Jack highlighted the enforcement of the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023 in support of Sarawak’s aspiration to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
He said NREB had developed Phase 1 of the Greenhouse Gases Management System (GHG-MS) this year to facilitate greenhouse gas emissions reporting and applications for Consent on Flaring and Venting.
NREB was also working towards an integrated digital regulatory system to strengthen environmental monitoring and compliance management.
The system would coordinate information on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports, greenhouse gas emissions, scheduled wastes and enforcement activities to facilitate monitoring, follow-up action and regulatory compliance.
“This approach enables technology to be utilised effectively to enhance productivity and service delivery quality,” he said.
Meanwhile, NREB continued to expand environmental education in schools through its Environmental Lovers Club (PALS Club) initiative.
As of October this year, 1,098 PALS Clubs had been established across Sarawak, up from 675 in 2025, bringing the initiative closer to its target of reaching all 1,466 schools by 2027.
To support the programme, NREB had also introduced its in-house developed e-PALS system, which allows schools to apply for grants, check application status and submit activity reports online.