The Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2026 grants legislative authority over scheduled waste to Sabah and Sarawak, fulfilling MA63 commitments and federalism principles.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2026 will grant Sabah and Sarawak legislative authority over scheduled waste management.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the amendment aligns with Article 95C of the Federal Constitution.

He stated the change fulfills a 2022 decision by the Special Council on Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MKMA63). That meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, agreed to grant the states authority to manage scheduled waste on their land and waters.

“The proposed amendment not only aims to strengthen the governance of scheduled waste disposal management, but also reflects the commitment of the MADANI Government in fulfilling its obligations and strengthening the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” Arthur said in the Dewan Rakyat.

He emphasised that autonomy rights for Sabah and Sarawak are being preserved and improved. This amendment is in line with the federalist spirit of the Federal Constitution.

Since 2022, engagement sessions and workshops have been held with both state governments. These actions ensure the empowerment is implemented smoothly and achieves its goals.

The Bill, tabled on Feb 11, amends Section 1 of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. It introduces a new subsection giving the minister power to suspend the Act’s provisions in different parts of Malaysia.

 The Sun Malaysia