Baru: Amendment Bill part of Sarawak's vision for leadership in biodiversity research
KUCHING (May 20): The Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is part of a broader vision to position Sarawak as a leader in biodiversity research, said Baru Bian.
The Ba Kelalan assemblyman said through the amendments, this would ensure that the state's resources are protected, respected and beneficial to the people.
'The Bill updates the terminology and scope concerning naturalists and biodiversity experts involved in the (Sarawak Biodiversity) Centre's operations.
'It provides legal clarity for individuals who may not hold formal scientific credentials but possess deep traditional and indigenous knowledge,' he said in his debate on the Bill at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today.
He said these individuals play an important role in the documentation and preservation of local biodiversity and cultural practices.
'By recognising their contributions through formal legal language, we strengthen community engagement and respect for indigenous knowledge systems.'
He also said that with the amendment of the Bill, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) would be empowered to establish corporate or profit-oriented entities.
'This provision enables SBC to engage in commercialisation of research and innovation. For example, developing pharmaceutical products, natural extracts, and biotechnological applications based on Sarawak's biodiversity.
'This strategic move aligns with Sarawak's vision to build a bioeconomy and ensure our natural assets translate into tangible benefits for the state, our researchers, and our local communities,' he said.
Baru said through the Bill, the state is putting in place mechanisms to ensure that any commercial gains from biodiversity resources are equitably shared with the rightful stakeholders, especially the indigenous communities who have preserved this knowledge for generations.
'At the same time, the Bill introduces a clear financial penalty framework. This is a matter of policy ensuring that unauthorised exploitation or misuse of Sarawak's biological resources will be met with firm legal consequences.
'It is an important addition that signals our seriousness in safeguarding biodiversity from exploitation,' he said. 2025 Baru Bian lead Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (Amendment) Bill
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