By Bruno J, New Straits Times

Stakeholders and Natural Resources and Environment Board officers in a group photo after a briefing on the requirements of the state's Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases) Ordinance, 2023 which came into force on March 1. - NSTP/Bruno J

KUCHING 21 May 2024, Tuesday - Representatives of some 60 companies involved in Sarawak's scheduled economic sectors attended a briefing here today on the key requirements of the state's new greenhouse gas law, which came to effect on March 1.

The Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases) Ordinance, passed on Nov 20 last year, required these companies to register with the state Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB).

The law states that the state's environment must be protected by "reduction or abatement of emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, adoption of strategies towards net-zero carbon emission, low-carbon solutions and the transition towards clean renewable energy".

Most of the representatives who attended the briefing at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) were from the energy, oil and gas sectors.

The meeting was an important platform for individuals and businesses to understand the implications of the ordinance and the procedures for registration, the NREB said in a statement.

"It also served as an opportunity for stakeholders to engage with regulatory authorities and clarify any concerns regarding the implementation of the ordinance," it added.

The NREB also stated that the engagement session marked a proactive step by Sarawak in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental stewardship in its economic sectors.