Jack Liam, Controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak (present)

Kuching, 25 June 2024 Tuesday - The Natural Resources and Environment (Audit) Rules, 2008, gazetted on December 31, 2008, and put into effect on January 1, 2013, have greatly advanced environmental management in Sarawak's forestry sector.

According to the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Sarawak, the forestry sector demonstrated its readiness for full implementation through the successful completion of pilot projects, thanks to the collaboration with the Sarawak Timber Association (STA) and its members.

“The year 2023 marked a crucial milestone with the successful completion of pilot projects, providing the essential foundation and operational experience for ECAs.

“Following the directive from the Controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak on January 26, 2024, Sarawak's forestry sector will transition from submitting Environmental Monitoring Reports (EMR) to implementing self-regulating Environmental Compliance Audits (ECA) effective July 1, 2024,” it said in a press statement issued on Monday.

In this new phase, the statement said all forestry projects need to complete an internal and an external environmental compliance audit once a year where the goal of this dual-audit system is to ensure they meet environmental standards and support sustainable forestry practices.

NREB Sarawak said, this ECA initiative highlights the state’s focus on environmental protection and sustainable growth in its forestry sector whereby the audits are intended to make sure that all forestry operations are carried out responsibly, thus helping to conserve the natural resources for future generations.

Meanwhile, NREB Sarawak reiterates its commitment to helping the forestry sector adapt to the new audit standards, offering support and resources to ensure compliance.

“We are excited to continue working together with industry partners to reach our environmental objectives and encourage self-regulation among all involved,” it said. -UKAS news