Cabinet backs transfer of scheduled waste powers to Sarawak

KUALA LUMPUR — The Cabinet has endorsed a memorandum on amendments to the Borneo States (Legislative Lists) Agreement (MA63), paving the way for the transfer of scheduled waste management powers to Sarawak. The decision represents a significant step in expanding the state's constitutional authority over environmental and waste-related matters.

Scheduled waste, which includes hazardous and toxic waste requiring specialised handling and disposal, has traditionally fallen under federal jurisdiction. The approved amendment would shift regulatory oversight and management responsibilities to Sarawak, allowing the state to implement waste management policies tailored to its specific environmental and economic conditions.

The transfer aligns with broader efforts to strengthen MA63, the agreement that outlines the division of powers and responsibilities between the federal government and Sarawak and Sabah. Previous amendments under MA63 have addressed telecommunications, tourism, and other sectors, granting the Borneo states greater control over their respective domains.

State authorities are expected to develop comprehensive frameworks for scheduled waste management, including licensing, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms. The move is anticipated to streamline decision-making processes and enable more responsive environmental governance in Sarawak.

Official implementation timelines and transitional arrangements for the waste management transfer have not yet been announced. Relevant federal and state agencies are expected to coordinate the handover of administrative functions and regulatory responsibilities in the coming months.