Kota Kinabalu: Coastal cities must strike a balance between economic progress and environmental conservation while bolstering resilience against climate risks, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at the opening of the Kota Kinabalu International Mayors’ Dialogue (KKIMD) 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Monday.
Hajiji said coastal centres serve as vital hubs for trade, tourism, and business, but their geographical locations leave them vulnerable to rising sea levels, severe weather events, and marine pollution.
He stressed that daily municipal management must incorporate climate adaptation measures such as improved drainage, flood mitigation, coastal defences, and nature-based solutions, all of which require stronger climate financing and cross-border cooperation.
Highlighting Sabah's position within the biodiverse Coral Triangle, he added that safeguarding marine ecosystems remains central to the state's Blue Economy agenda under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 roadmap.
