KUCHING: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) today passed the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at strengthening the legal framework of the centre in areas such as research, licensing, intellectual property ownership, and the commercialisation of the state’s biodiversity resources.

The passing of the Bill was announced by Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly, Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar after receiving unanimous support from Assemblymen.

The Bill was earlier tabled by Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, and was debated by several elected representatives.

“This Bill is crucial in the state’s efforts to sustainably protect, utilise, and commercialise Sarawak’s biodiversity assets while ensuring that the resulting economic benefits are channelled back to the people,” Dato Sri Roland Sagah said.

Among the key amendments introduced in the Bill is the addition of Section 6A which allows the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) to establish its own business entity to handle the commercialisation of research outcomes more efficiently and strategically.

“Through this entity, SBC can form partnerships with the private sector and international investors without compromising the state’s control over biodiversity resources.

“It also enables more efficient management in terms of contracts, licensing, and intellectual property ownership,” he pointed out.

He added that the amendments also support Sarawak’s aspirations under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 which emphasises innovation, scientific and technological development, and the sustainable management of resources. -UKASnews