By WU VUIDE
SEMPORNA: Sabah has been positioned as the nation’s leader in environmental conservation and resilience against climate change, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
This follows the approval of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent State Legislative Assembly sitting.
He said the enactment would ensure the involvement of Sabah’s native community and that their rights are protected through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure.
“I wish to emphasise that the Sabah State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the state’s natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem,” he said during the World Biodiversity Day celebrations at Dewan Arena Belia yesterday.
Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
The celebration, themed “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, underscored the crucial elements in preserving the health of the planet, enhancing human well-being and ensuring a sustainable future.
“This theme serves as a reminder to humanity, especially the people of Sabah, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities without considering the sustainability of biodiversity, the well-being of animals, plants and ecosystems that bring benefits to our lives,” he said.
“We not only safeguard biodiversity but also secure economic and social well-being for current and future generations.
“This concept aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2034.
“The celebration and theme reflect the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda in promoting green practices and supporting sustainable development,” he said.
Hajiji said Sabah is the first state in Malaysia to actively implement the Blue Economy concept under the SMJ development agenda.
Through this initiative, the State Government sees the potential to implement Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in the Tawau waters as a source of renewable energy.
“In addition, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), are also actively carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah. Well done!” he said.
In line with the focus on exploring, promoting and supporting the Blue Economy, he said the State Government will ensure that tourism activities in Semporna are well-regulated and do not disrupt marine biodiversity, while providing benefits and advantages to the people of Sabah.
Conservation efforts, however, need strong support from all quarters, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, the local community and the people of Sabah in general, he said.
“I urge that we continue to protect Sabah’s natural wealth so that the current and future generations will continue to experience and enjoy the benefits of these natural resources,” he said.
He added that the State Government would continue to implement development programmes that emphasise green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources, as well as ensuring environmental protection, social well-being and economic growth for future generations.
