KUCHING: Sarawak remains committed to safeguarding the environment and sustainably managing its natural resources while pursuing development, says Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

       The Chief Minister said sustainable development was a priority on the state government's agenda, which aimed to strike a balance between the need for development and safeguarding the people's wellbeing.

       "Our ultimate goal is to have an environment that is decent and with the highest quality and respect for all living creatures," he said when presenting the Chief Minister's Environmental Awards 2019/2020 here on Monday (Sept 13).

       In line with this, Abang Johari said Sarawak's post-Covid-19 development strategy launched on July 22 was aimed at bringing prosperity to the state and its people while simultaneously protecting the environment.

       "Our emphasis on environmental sustainability is to pave the way for more investment flow into Sarawak that will create solutions, green jobs and business opportunities to drive our economy in a sustainable manner," he said.

       Abang Johari also highlighted amendments to the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance in 2019 which strengthened the regulatory mechanisms for sustainable management of natural resources and protection of environmental quality in Sarawak.

       With the amendments, he said, open burning activities on native customary land for commercial purposes were now regulated to ensure that projects were implemented sustainably.

       "It (the Ordinance) has also been amended to increase penalties to RM100,000 for all environmental offences including land pollution, inland water contamination and open burning," he added.

       Abang Johari also said staff of the state's Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) were now categorised as public officers within the meaning of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to enable the transfer of authority from the Federal Department of Environment.

       He said this revision was necessary for the state to prepare for increased autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and to accept additional responsibilities in managing environmental matters under the Environment Quality Act.

       "In this respect, I am urging NREB to be better prepared and to plan strategically to chart its direction for the next 10 years with adequate resources and competent manpower, supported by effective and adaptable legislation, regulations, guidelines and rules; and equipped with technological systems in order to effectively play its mandated roles and responsibilities," he said.