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KOTA KINABALU, Feb 24, 2026 — The state of Sabah is preparing to fully assume environmental management responsibilities from the federal government, marking a significant milestone in the state’s push for greater local autonomy and sustainable natural resource governance.
Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, confirmed that Sabah aims to take full control of environmental oversight — including the management of scheduled wastes under Article 95C of the Federal Constitution — once all requirements are met ahead of a planned transition in November 2026.
“This step is an important milestone in reinforcing Sabah’s powers in environmental management, particularly in line with the Malaysia Agreement 1963,” Jafry said after meetings with federal counterparts, including Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, in Kuala Lumpur.
Preparation and Readiness Criteria
State officials noted that Sabah is ensuring it meets all nine essential readiness criteria before the transfer of authority takes effect. These criteria include:
- Establishing a robust legislative framework for environmental laws
- Developing technical infrastructure and systems
- Implementing an online reporting and monitoring platform
- Strengthening human resource capacity to enforce new regulations
“Our goal is to ensure that Sabah has the necessary systems and resources to manage and enforce environmental legislation effectively and efficiently,” Jafry said. “Strong collaboration between the federal ministry, the Sabah government, and the Environmental Protection Department has positioned us well to achieve this transition.”
The preparations also seek to reinforce sustainable, effective and resilient environmental governance tailored to Sabah’s unique ecosystem and development needs — an approach that state leaders say will benefit both communities and the environment.
Federal Partnership and Local Empowerment
The transition underscores growing federal-state cooperation, with Sabah working closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability to align policies and build capacity before assuming full responsibility. Sabah’s government has expressed gratitude for the support and engagement from federal officials throughout the process.
State leaders say that once the transfer is finalised, Sabah will have greater autonomy to craft and enforce environmental policies that reflect local conditions — from waste management to ecosystem protection and sustainability enforcement — without needing federal approval for every regulatory decision.
Broader Implications for Environmental Governance
Analysts say the move could serve as a model for other Malaysian states seeking to balance local environmental needs with national standards, while also reinforcing Sabah’s role in environmental stewardship and resource management. Empowered control over environmental policy may help Sabah better address unique challenges such as waste disposal, land use planning, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
As Sabah progresses toward the November 2026 transition, officials emphasise that public engagement, clear regulatory frameworks, and technical preparedness will be key to ensuring a smooth and effective handover of environmental management authority.
