KUCHING: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly passed the Natural Resources and Environment Bill, 2024, which marks a significant step in Sarawak's environmental governance. According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also the State Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, stated that the passing of the bill will enable the state to exercise enhanced authority over natural resources, environmental conservation, and pollution control. During the tabling of the bill, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan emphasized that the new legislation aims to provide a modern and comprehensive approach to the management of Sarawak's natural resources and environmental conservation. He further elaborated that the bill includes provisions that empower the state to exercise full authority over critical areas such as resource conservation, environmental management, pollution control, and sustainable development. The provisions are designed not only to safeg uard Sarawak's natural assets but also to promote responsible development in alignment with global environmental standards.