Integrity Not An Option But An Obligation In Advancing National Sustainability Agenda

PUTRAJAYA, March 2 (Bernama) -- Integrity is not an option but an obligation that cannot be compromised by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) personnel in managing the country's natural resource assets, said its Minister, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

He said every decision made today will have a direct impact on future generations, and as such, transparency in enforcement and accountability in fund management must always remain the ministry's core principles.

"As civil servants entrusted with managing the country's treasures, integrity is not an option but an obligation. Don't mortgage future sustainability for short-term interests,” he said at the NRES breaking of fast and appreciation ceremony here today.

Arthur also shared several of NRES’ achievements from December 2025 to February 2026, including amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127), which devolved the power to manage scheduled waste to Sabah and Sarawak in line with the spirit of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

According to him, the move strengthens collaboration between the Federal government and Sabah and Sarawak, while granting the two states greater autonomy in shaping environmental management according to local needs and contexts. 

He said the ministry has also initiated measures to draft legislation related to Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) to ensure Malaysia is not left behind in the rapidly growing global carbon market.

"Sustainability can no longer be seen as merely a cost burden, but needs to become the new economic driver through the development of the circular economy and low-carbon technologies,” he said.

In addition, he said the Low-Carbon City initiative has been strengthened by realigning green criteria using the latest technology to ensure more accurate and transparent monitoring of emissions data.

He added that forest and biodiversity management had also been strengthened through the implementation of the Ecological Fiscal Transfers (EFT) Fund, which provides incentives to states that maintain forest reserves and water catchment areas.

Commenting on internal work cultures, he stressed that NRES staff need to break down bureaucratic barriers between departments and operate as a team, based on the concept of ‘One Team One Mission’, to ensure every policy is implemented comprehensively.

"The combination of strong integrity and a solid teamwork spirit will be the NRES’ main strength in ensuring the country's sustainability agenda continues to be enhanced for the well-being of the people and the environment,” he said.

-- BERNAMA