Kota Kinabalu: Mangrove forests are no longer just an environmental asset but should be mainstreamed as pillars of Sabah’s blue economy, said Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan.
Speaking at the 3rd Asean Blue Economy Forum 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre, recently, Frederick said Sabah’s forest landscape and highlighted the strategic role of mangroves in the state’s economic and ecological future.
“Sabah has about 7.4 million hectares of land, with 63 per cent still forested, amounting to some 4.6 million hectares.
“Of this, 3.8 million hectares are Permanent Forest Estates and 3.6 million hectares are forest reserves, with 1.9 million hectares allocated for production forest.
“Meanwhile, 2.012 million hectares have been gazetted as Totally Protected Areas. Under the Sabah Forest Policy 2018, we aim to raise this to at least 30 per cent, or 2.2 million hectares, by 2025,” he said.
Frederick said mangroves are a critical part of this conservation framework.
“Sabah boasts the largest mangrove estate in Malaysia, covering about 365,642 hectares, which is 60 per cent of the nation’s total.
“Nine in 10 hectares remain intact, with 308,824 hectares gazetted under seven forest reserve classes, including protection forests, mangrove reserves, and wildlife reserves.
“Another 60,000 hectares are outside formal protection but could be secured in the future,” Frederick said.
He described mangroves as “economic pillars, not just swamps at the water’s edge,” noting their wide-ranging functions.
“Mangroves sequester up to four times more carbon per hectare than other forests, sustain fisheries, shield our coastlines, support tourism, and provide food and livelihoods for communities,” he said.
Mangroves underpin sectors from aquaculture and forestry to eco-tourism and non-timber forest products.
“Forests, including mangroves, are the pillars of Sabah’s economy. They support industries, communities and biodiversity alike,” he added.
The Chief Conservator said Sabah’s policy framework supports mangrove conservation.
The Forest Enactment 1968 provides the legal basis for declaring reserves and enforcing protection, while the Sabah Forest Policy 2018 sets conservation targets and encourages revenue diversification through carbon financing, ecotourism and community forestry.
The recently launched Sabah Mangrove Action Plan 2024–2033 aims to protect vulnerable mangroves, strengthen climate resilience, and involve communities in management.
Frederick highlighted Strategy 4 of the Action Plan, which calls for coastal adaptation and mitigation, no-development foreshore zones, climate awareness, and research-driven community resilience.
“This is not just about trees; it is about people and livelihoods. Communities living next to mangroves must be part of the solution,” he said.
Sabah has a long history of mangrove rehabilitation dating back to the Eighth Malaysia Plan (2003-2008).
Frederick noted that some areas were degraded by agriculture, infrastructure or illegal extraction, and ongoing restoration efforts involve international partners, including Japan.
New opportunities in carbon projects and payment for ecosystem services could provide the financial sustainability needed for long-term conservation.
He also warned of persistent threats from conversion to plantations, infrastructure development, unsustainable aquaculture, illegal extraction, human settlements and climate change.
“These threats are not new, but they remind us why mainstreaming conservation into all sectors is critical,” he said.
Frederick highlighted the financial challenges of mangrove conservation.
“The Forestry Department requires at least RM100 million every year to manage forests, including mangroves, and even that is not enough.
“Conservation is costly, which is why conservation must pay. We must make mangroves worth more standing than cleared,” he added.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to see mangroves as part of Sabah’s economic future, not a barrier to development.
“Managing forests today is not just about timber, but about sustainability and people. Unlocking these seas of opportunity will bring long-term economic returns, strengthen resilience and create lasting benefits for future generations to save the greatest good for the greatest number,” Frederick said.
The plenary he presented, titled “Mainstreaming Mangrove Forests as Pillars of the State’s Blue Economy” underscored the regional significance of mangroves as both environmental infrastructure and economic assets.
