SEMPORNA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 during the recent State Assembly sitting has placed Sabah at the forefront of environmental conservation and resilience against climate change.
He said the implementation of the Enactment will ensure the involvement of Sabah’s native communities and protect their rights through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) process.
“I wish to emphasise that the State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the State’s natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystems,” he said during the State-level World Biodiversity Day celebration at Dewan Arena Belia, here, Thursday.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
Hajiji said this year’s theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”, is meaningful as it highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy planet, enhancing human wellbeing and securing a sustainable future.
He reminded the public, especially Sabahans, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities and to always consider the impact on biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems.
“By protecting and valuing nature, we safeguard not only biodiversity but also our economic and social wellbeing for current and future generations,” he said.
He emphasised that the theme aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2034 and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which promotes green practices and sustainable development.
Hajiji also said Sabah is the first state in Malaysia to implement the Blue Economy concept under the SMJ development agenda.
Through this initiative, the State Government is exploring the potential of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in Tawau waters as a renewable energy source.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, together with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), in carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah.
He commended their commitment and contributions to marine conservation.
He assured that tourism activities in Semporna will be well regulated to ensure they do not harm marine biodiversity, while still providing benefits to the local community.
He said conservation efforts require strong support from all parties, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, local communities and the people of Sabah.
“I urge everyone to continue protecting Sabah’s natural wealth so that future generations can continue to benefit from these resources,” he said.
He said the State Government will continue to prioritise green sustainability in its development programmes, by ensuring responsible management of natural resources and a balance between environmental protection, social well-being and economic growth.
Captions: Dekeep Halisca
CLIMATE1 - Nizam visiting one of the booths at the World Biodiversity Day celebration.
CLIMATE2 - Nizam receiving a memento after presenting the participation certificate to the Wildlife Department.
