KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 25): The Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday approved amendments to legislation paving the way for Sabah and Sarawak to have greater autonomy in managing scheduled waste in their states. The Environmental Quality (Amendment) Bill 2026 was passed via a majority voice vote after 20 Members of Parliament from both sides debated the proposal. The Bill allows the minister to suspend the operation of certain provisions of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) in different parts of the country. Currently, the regulation of scheduled waste nationwide is centralised under Act 127, a matter under the federal government’s jurisdiction. “The mechanism ensures a clear and orderly transfer of authority, avoids legal conflicts, and follows constitutional and statutory requirements under Act 127,” he said.

Source: The Edge Markets February 25, 2026 09:43 UTC