Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Law Reform Advisory Council (SLRAC) is reviewing several key state laws to ensure they reflect current realities, uphold good governance and strengthen institutional accountability.
SLRAC Chairman Tan Sri David Wong said the review, carried out in collaboration with the State Attorney-General’s Chambers, aims to modernise Sabah’s legislative framework in line with the State Government’s mandate for a transparent and accountable administration.
Among the laws under review are the Sabah Land Ordinance, Wildlife Conservation Enactment, Public Health Ordinance, Maintenance Ordinance, Climate Change Regulations, Sabah Parks Enactment and the Sabah Mining Ordinance 1960.
“The Council’s guiding principle is that the law must remain clear, relevant and capable of serving the people of Sabah effectively,” Wong said in a statement, Thursday.
He said the first phase of the review, which encompassed the Sabah Land Ordinance and Maintenance Ordinance, had been completed and was now ready for consultation with the Government and key stakeholders.
One area examined was the registration of Powers of Attorney, with proposals to strengthen verification processes and curb fraudulent land dealings. This builds on SLRAC’s earlier reform of the Land Ordinance, which reinforced the principle of indefeasibility of title.
Wong said the Sabah Mining Ordinance 1960 was also being reviewed at the request of the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“The updated framework draws from the Sabah Mineral Enactment 1999, introducing clearer licensing procedures, stronger enforcement measures and better protection for community and native rights,” he said.
He added that the proposed amendments also cover updated definitions, lifecycle management, downstream processing and transparency provisions to promote responsible resource management.
