@ green | January-February. 2026

� The amendment to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 allows Sabah and Sarawak to regulate scheduled waste on land and in their waters.

� This change enhances environmental governance and policy flexibility for both states.

� Sarawak joined MWC Barcelona 2026 to strengthen international engagement and attract technology investment.

The amendment to the Environmental Quality Act 1974( Act 127) allows

ENVIRONMENTAL AUTONOMY MOVE: The amendment is expected to enhance oversight and management of scheduled waste within Sabah and Sarawak.

the two states to regulate and manage scheduled waste on land and in their waters, in line with Article 95C of the Federal Constitution. The move is seen as part of broader efforts to reinforce the position of Sabah and Sarawak under the Malaysia Agreement 1963( MA63).

Minister in the Prime Minister ' s Department for Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, said the development reflected the federal government ' s continued commitment to strengthening the constitutional standing of the two States.

" This clearly reflects the seriousness and commitment of the Madani government in reinforcing the position of Sabah and Sarawak within the MA63 framework," he said in a statement.

The legislative change is part of the 29 MA63 matters being addressed through various negotiation platforms, including the MA63 Implementation Action Council( MTPMA63), which is chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

" Through the MTPMA63 platform, this matter underwent negotiation processes, legal scrutiny and policy coordination before being translated into legislative amendments," Mustapha said.

Separately, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the amendment represented the eighth revision to the Act and would provide Sabah and Sarawak with autonomy in implementing certain provisions

related to scheduled waste management. POLICY REFORM

He noted that the move was also aligned with the decision reached during a meeting of the Special Council on the Malaysia Agreement 1963( MKMA63) on Apr 14 2022, which involved discussions between the federal government and the Sabah and Sarawak state administrations on the delegation of authority to regulate scheduled waste.

" 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( MA63).

" The rights and powers of autonomy specifically allocated to Sabah and Sarawak have always been preserved and even improved in line with what was agreed upon during the formation of Malaysia a long time ago... this amendment is in line with the spirit of federalism in the Federal Constitution," he said when tabling the Bill for second reading in the Dewan Rakyat.

Arthur added that since 2022, the government had conducted a series of engagement sessions, workshops and meetings with representatives from both state governments to ensure the empowerment process could be implemented effectively.

Mustapha, meanwhile, described the amendment as " one of the success stories in strengthening the rights of Sabah and Sarawak under the Madani government ' s leadership ", adding that efforts to realise the commitments under MA63 would continue.

SARAWAK used the global Mobile World Congress( MWC) Barcelona 2026 platform to strengthen international partnerships while promoting its ambitions for digital development and sustainable growth.

The event, held from Mar 2 to 5 at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, stands as one of the world ' s most prominent gatherings for connectivity and technology. Sarawak ' s participation at this influential global forum underscores its strategic efforts to attract international attention, showcase investment opportunities, and strengthen its position within emerging digital and green technology sectors.

Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said the congress provided an important avenue for engagement with global industry players and potential collaborators.

" Sarawak is advancing a development approach that balances economic growth, social well-being and environmental responsibility," he said in a statement.

According to the statement, the State is exploring collaborations across multiple areas, including digital infrastructure,

artificial intelligence applications, smart city technologies, renewable and hydrogen energy, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor value chains, and research partnerships and technology transfer.

Sarawak ' s participation also highlights its broader development plans leading up to 2030, which focus on sustainable economic expansion, technological capability and long-term resilience.

SARAWAK AT MWC 2026: The State used the MWC platform to outline its development plans leading up to 2030, focusing on sustainable growth and digital transformation.

Efforts to support the digital economy are underpinned by improvements in telecommunications infrastructure and a power system driven by renewable energy. Internet connectivity has surpassed 90 per cent of populated areas in the State, supported by fibre backbone expansion, rural broadband initiatives and satellite connectivity solutions. Preparations for the 5G ecosystem are also progressing through identified rollout sites and partnerships with industry stakeholders.

Julaihi said expanding connectivity remains a key priority to ensure that communities across Sarawak benefit from digital transformation.

He further elaborated: " The continued expansion of fibre backbone networks, rural broadband and satellite connectivity solutions is ensuring reliable and inclusive connectivity, so that digital transformation delivers tangible benefits to communities across Sarawak while supporting sustainable and long-term growth."

Looking ahead, Sarawak aims to create more than 300,000 new jobs by 2030 while strengthening its workforce capabilities.

The State is also targeting a gross domestic product of RM282 billion, reducing greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45 per cent from 2005 levels and increasing median monthly household income to RM15,000 as part of its broader sustainable development agenda. – @ green