Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is set to assume greater control over the management of scheduled waste following discussions between the State and Federal governments on the implementation of Article 95C of the Federal Constitution.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the move is part of preparations for the State to take full authority in implementing and enforcing laws on scheduled waste, in line with Article 95C and the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
He said the State Government must fulfil nine readiness criteria before the handover can be finalised, with the full transition targeted for November 2026.
“These include strengthening the necessary legislation, developing technical infrastructure, establishing an online reporting system and ensuring sufficient human resource capacity to manage enforcement effectively,” he said.
Jafry said he discussed the matter with Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Arthur Joseph Kurup on Monday (Feb 23) during a courtesy visit, focusing on the transfer of powers relating to environmental management in Sabah.
He added that coordination between the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), the Sabah Government and the State Environmental Protection Department will be intensified to ensure a smooth transition process.
Jafry said the move is aimed at enabling Sabah to manage environmental matters more efficiently in accordance with local needs while safeguarding public welfare.