Malaysia’s parliament has endorsed crucial revisions to the Environmental Quality Act, bolstering Sabah and Sarawak’s authority over projects impacting their environment. The Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill was unanimously approved by both Houses, meeting long-held demands to acknowledge the unique status of Malaysia’s two Borneo states under the 1963 Malaysia Agreement.

According to the updated statute, any industrial, agricultural or infrastructure project in Sabah or Sarawak with potential effects on air, water, soil or biodiversity must obtain clear consent from the state government prior to moving forward. Where developers once sought only federal clearance, the amendment guarantees that both state assemblies—and not solely Kuala Lumpur—possess the ultimate authority over environmental permits. Additionally, the revisions specify that the states may set and implement their own environmental benchmarks, provided they satisfy or surpass federal norms.

Environment and Water Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad remarked that the legislation achieves an appropriate equilibrium between national uniformity and regional autonomy. “By decentralizing approval authority, we honor the distinct ecosystems and communities of Sabah and Sarawak,” he said to the press. Henceforth, the mining, logging and plantation industries in both states will function under a twin-licensing system, satisfying federal Environmental Impact Assessment requirements alongside receiving state-level clearances.

Sabah’s Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor hailed the reforms as a “milestone in reclaiming our rights.” In a similar vein, Sarawak’s Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg labeled the changes a “catalyst for sustainable progress” that equips local leaders to safeguard forests, waterways and indigenous ways of life. Both administrations have vowed to reassess pending applications forthwith under the fresh guidelines.

Environmental NGOs offered guarded approval of the reforms while calling for rapid and transparent enactment. They stressed that enshrining state oversight should be paired with capacity-building and public consultation mechanisms to guarantee effective enforcement. The Ministry of Environment and Water pledged to release comprehensive guidelines within three months, covering joint state-federal inspection protocols and maintaining a public registry of applications and rulings.

Now codified into law, these revisions afford Sabah and Sarawak enhanced leverage over the stewardship of their natural resources—potentially altering investment dynamics and raising environmental governance benchmarks throughout the Malaysian federation.

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Note: This article was automatically retrieved from reputable news outlets. Details are for general informational purposes only. Always confirm project specifications, pricing, and investment choices with authorized agents or official developers.