He said Sarawak had already enacted is own state laws related to carbon capture and storage. The two laws “just need to be harmonised” through regulations to ensure there is no overlap, he said.

Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg had said in October that the Sarawak law and the proposed federal law must be harmonised for smooth implementation.

Sabah deputy chief minister Jeffrey Kitingan said in June last year that the carbon capture bill was not necessary for the two East Malaysian states as they had separate land and forestry laws.

Fadillah said the matter would be discussed and brought up at the Senate before the bill is approved.

The Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Bill 2025, passed by the lower house on Thursday, must be approved by the Senate and receive royal assent before it becomes law.

Parliamentary procedure requires any changes made in the Senate will result in the law being returned to the Dewan Rakyat for approval.

The bill spells out the responsibilities of site operators in environmental protection, to ensure safe, responsible and internationally compliant operations.

Among the key provisions are the establishment of a carbon capture agency to oversee licensing, compliance, and industry development.