KUCHING (Nov 2): The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) recently held an engagement session at Raia Hotel and Convention Centre here to support the Restrictions on Flaring and Venting Rules 2025 and introduce the new guidelines to stakeholders.

Among those present were Controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak Datu Jack Liam; Khairul Kabir Abdul Kadir from the State Attorney-General’s Chambers; Elizabeth Dato Nyomek from the state Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability; and 20 representatives from various business entities.

In his welcoming speech, Jack said that to date, a total of 18 business entities from the oil and gas sector and one from the energy sector had registered with NREB, which reflected the strong commitment and proactive compliance of key industry players in aligning their operations with Sarawak’s regulatory framework and climate objectives.

NREB said the session served to clarify the key requirements and proactively engage stakeholders to gather their feedback, address concerns, and integrate their valuable perspectives.

“We believe these contributions are essential. They help us craft guidelines that are not only practical and fair, but also effective — ensuring the new Ordinance is implemented successfully,” it said.

NREB said this aligns with the World Bank’s ‘Zero Routine Flaring by 2030’ initiative, and builds upon the legal foundation for Sarawak’s transition towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through the Environment (Reduction of Greenhouse Gases Emission) Ordinance 2023.

Under these rules, which came into effect Nov 1, operators are required to obtain prior consent from the Controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak before undertaking any such activities in accordance with Section 5 of the Ordinance.