Climate Bills Near Final Stages, July Parliament Tabling Expected- Arthur

PUTRAJAYA, May 4 (Bernama) --  The government is in the final stages of completing the National Climate Change Bill (RUU PIN) and the National Climate Change Authority Bill (RUU IKLIM), expected to be tabled in Parliament this July.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the two bills will bolster the country's laws to combat the global climate crisis.

"This is a vital step to give the country strong laws for tackling the global climate crisis.

"We want future generations to inherit a sustainable, resilient nation," he said at today's monthly gathering of the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES).

RUU PIN will introduce a monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system to underpin carbon pricing and Malaysia's shift to a low-carbon economy.

The MRV system will use a consistent method for calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all economic sectors to ensure transparent, data legitimacy and a national carbon registry with strong integrity.

RUU PIN will also allow a phased, structured rollout of carbon pricing ahead of tools like carbon taxes and carbon markets.

Meanwhile, Arthur said NRES is committed to fulfilling the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) by reinforcing Sabah and Sarawak's rights, including finalising amendments to allow both states to manage their own scheduled waste.

“The process of returning federal land to Sabah and Sarawak governments has been finalised for local community projects,” he said, adding this reflects a commitment to inclusive development and respect for territorial rights.

On NRES priorities, he said boosting the Department of Environment will be a key focus, as it currently has just 1,041 enforcement staff nationwide.

He said the ministry is reviewing a proposal for a permanent branch at Port Klang as a strategic move to strengthen border security and public health.

The government will also enhance weather and air quality updates through the Community Multi-Scale Air Quality (CIMEQ) initiative to improve monitoring and forecasting for cross-border pollution and haze.

"At the same time, Malaysia's participation in the Early Warnings for All initiative seeks to ensure all-encompassing protection for citizens against disaster risks by 2027," he said.

-- BERNAMA