By WU VUIDE
PUTATAN: Sabah is still far from achieving its target of planting 1.3 million trees by 2023, a goal set since 2020, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalan.
Dr Joachim who is also Local Government and Housing Minister said as of December 2024, only 331,151 trees have been planted under the “I P.L.A.N.T.” programme (sustainable greening initiative, aspiration of the most beautiful garden state).
“This figure shows that much more needs to be done, and I urge all local authorities to intensify their greening campaigns and take the initiative to plant trees in their respective areas,” he said.
The “I P.L.A.N.T.” programme is one of the ministry’s efforts to strengthen landscape sustainability in Sabah through close collaboration with local authorities.
The governments including state and federal has allocated RM11.15 million for the implementation of various landscaping programmes and projects across Sabah this year, he said during the “I P.L.A.N.T.” programme held at Taman Pasir Putih Phase 1 here.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih.
The funds will be distributed to all local authorities (PBTs) for the development and upgrading of green infrastructure, aimed at enhancing the well-being of the people.
According to him, the funding aligns with the state’s landscape development planning initiative, which emphasises sustainability, environmental beauty, and ecological balance in urban and rural development.
“I understand the funding needs of local authorities in their efforts to develop and upgrade green infrastructure for the benefit of local communities.
Dr Joachim said the programme is not merely a symbolic tree planting effort, but a strategic agenda that contributes to long-term goals of sustainable development and the green economy.
In addition to tree planting, the ministry is actively organising various awareness and educational programmes such as the I-HIJAU KKTP Festival, green resolution workshops, and outreach initiatives with local authorities across districts to promote green practices at the grassroots level.
He added that the ministry has also introduced community-based programmes such as community gardens and sustainable partners, aimed at encouraging direct public involvement in environmental care and preservation.
Dr Joachim stated that among the key principles emphasised by the ministry is the concept of a sustainable circular economy, which includes the wise use of resources, reduction of carbon footprint, development of green technologies, and environmental conservation.
He also stressed the importance of incorporating green neighbourhood elements in the design of housing and urban developments, including the use of renewable energy, sustainable building materials, and the provision of public green spaces.
Furthermore, he noted that the ministry is collaborating with the federal government on various programmes such as the sustainable community agenda, low carbon schools project, and the implementation of the SDG roadmap and voluntary local review (VLR) in five selected local authorities in Sabah.
“All of this is part of an integrated effort to make Sabah the most beautiful garden state – one that is not only visually appealing in terms of its landscape, but also sustainable in its economic, social, and environmental aspects,” he said.
Expressing appreciation to all who attended and supported the initiative, including government agencies, local authority representatives and the local community, Dr Joachim called on all parties to join hands, strengthen their commitment and continue carrying out their responsibilities with dedication for the progress and sustainability of Sabah.
