SLRAC Reviews Key State Laws to Strengthen Governance and Accountability

6 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Law Reform Advisory Council (SLRAC) is working with the State Attorney-General’s Chambers to modernise Sabah’s laws and ensure they reflect current realities, good governance, and the State’s long-term interests as mandated by the State Government of Sabah pursuant to the establishment of the SLRAC by the Chief Minister.

In a statement by Tan Sri David Wong, the Chairman Sabah Law Reform Advisory Council, the Council’s review covers several major laws, including the Sabah Land Ordinance, Wildlife Conservation Enactment, Public Health Ordinance, Maintenance Ordinance, Climate Change Regulations, and Sabah Parks Enactment. Each review is guided by the principle that the law must remain clear, relevant, and capable of serving the people of Sabah effectively.

The first phase of the review, including the Sabah Land Ordinance and the Maintenance Ordinance, has been completed and is now ready for consultation with the Government and key stakeholders, the statement read.

"Among the key areas examined was the registration of Powers of Attorney, with proposals to strengthen verification processes and curb fraudulent dealings in land."

This follows the Council’s earlier successful reform of the Sabah Land Ordinance, which clarified and reinforced the principle of indefeasibility of title, ensuring greater legal certainty and public confidence in the State’s land administration system, he stated.

"As requested by the Chief Minister, the Sabah Mining Ordinance 1960 is also part of the review. The updated framework strengthens governance, oversight, and environmental management in the extractive sector. It draws from the Sabah Mineral Enactment 1999, introducing clearer licensing procedures, stronger enforcement measures, and better protection for community and native rights."

" The proposed amendments also cover updated definitions, lifecycle management, downstream processing, and transparency provisions."

The Council’s goal is to make law reform serve the public interest and strengthen institutional accountability. It seeks to build trust in the State’s governance by keeping the public informed of the laws under review and ensuring that every reform improves transparency, environmental responsibility, and fairness.

The SLRAC will continue to provide updates on its progress, reflecting its commitment to open, credible, and effective reform for the people of Sabah, he concluded.