BINTULU: The Sarawak Government will introduce a new law by the end of this year to regulate the management of oil palm waste on Native Customary Rights (NCR) land.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the move is vital as palm oil by-products, such as palm kernels, hold significant economic value and can be utilised as fertiliser, animal feed, and biogas.

He noted, however, that at present, oil palm waste is being sold in an unregulated manner, resulting in lost opportunities to fully maximise its potential.

“If NCR land is used for oil palm, by-products such as kernels can be processed into animal feed.

“But the problem now is that there are no laws to regulate this waste, and some are selling it haphazardly.

“We need legislation to ensure that all oil palm waste is collected.

“In this way, it can be turned into fertiliser, animal feed, and even biogas,” he said at a press conference after officiating at Sarawak Agrofest 2025 here on Saturday.

He further disclosed that the Sarawak Attorney General’s Office is currently drafting the legislation, which is expected to be announced by year-end.

“God willing, by the end of this year, the Attorney General will complete a specific law for this purpose,” he added.

Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Zohari expressed confidence that the new law will strengthen Sarawak’s food security agenda, support the development of a modern livestock industry, and boost rural incomes through a circular economy approach. -UKASnews