Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is positioning low-carbon development as a key economic strategy to attract quality investments, strengthen competitiveness and drive sustainable growth under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 roadmap.
Deputy Chief Minister II and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun said low-carbon development is no longer solely an environmental agenda but an economic imperative in a global market increasingly shaped by sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.
“Our biodiversity, tropical forests, marine ecosystems and renewable energy resources provide Sabah with a strong foundation for green growth,” he said.
According to him, the State’s potential in solar, mini-hydro and biomass energy can support economic expansion while creating more high-skilled jobs.
Masidi said Sabah must leverage these strengths to remain competitive and capture opportunities arising from the global transition towards a greener economy.
He said the transition to a low-carbon economy requires collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, financial institutions, academia, civil society organisations and youth.
Speaking at the opening of the Sabah Low Carbon (SLC) Symposium 2026 themed “Pathway to Net Zero, Resilience and Green Growth” at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), he said such cooperation is essential to expand green financing, encourage innovation and reduce carbon emissions.
Masidi also said developing future-ready human capital would be critical to supporting the State’s long-term economic transformation.
He commended the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sabah Alumni Association for bringing together stakeholders to discuss practical solutions towards green development.
He described the participation of university students as a positive indicator of efforts to nurture future leaders for the green economy.
“The symposium provides a platform to generate practical proposals and strengthen strategic partnerships. Stronger collaboration can help stimulate investments that contribute to Sabah’s sustainable development goals,” he said.
Also present were UiTM Sabah Branch Rector Associate Professor Dr Rozita @ Uji Mohammed, UiTM Sabah Alumni Association President Azhar Matussin, Deputy President Sazali Md Salleh and Sabah Low Carbon Symposium 2026 chairman Dr Noorhaizah Ramzah.
