KUCHING: Sarawak is considering introducing tougher penalties for offences related to national parks and wildlife conservation, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The state is reviewing its National Parks and Nature Reserves Ordinance and Wildlife Protection Ordinance to implement steeper fines and prison sentences.
"The State Attorney-General is currently examining these ordinances to improve Sarawak's management of its national parks.
"Once the study is complete and recommendations are presented, we will discuss the details with the cabinet. The State Legislative Assembly will then decide on passing the amendments," he told reporters after inaugurating the 10th World Congress of Herpetology (WCH10).
Key areas of focus include refining environmental protocols related to national parks and nature reserves.
Abang Johari emphasised the need for stringent regulations to preserve Sarawak's environment and enforce tougher penalties for law violations.
The proposed legislative changes support Sarawak's green economy policies, including the Forest (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules 2022, which regulate forest carbon activities in permanent forests; the Land (Carbon Storage) Rules 2022, for developing storage sites for greenhouse gases (GHGs); and the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023, which aims to reduce GHG emissions and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Sarawak is also documenting 18 newly-discovered species, including 12 frog species, cockroaches, beetles, and lizards, found in Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) under existing ordinances.
"We encourage continued scientific research and collaboration to uncover new flora and fauna in Sarawak. Our goal is to balance economic growth with environmental protection," Abang Johari said.