Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government has officially launched its Environmental Indicator Report 2025 to provide a comprehensive overview of the state’s environmental conditions and support future planning and decision-making.
The report was launched by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin during the state-level National Environment Day (HASN) 2026 celebration, here.
Jafry said the report covers five key environmental themes, namely land use, air quality, water quality, biodiversity and social dimensions, while highlighting trends, challenges and possible solutions based on established standards.
“The report serves as an important reference for environmental monitoring, planning and strategic decision-making in managing the environment in Sabah,” he said.
He said the first Sabah Environmental Indicator Report was published in 2003, while the latest edition was produced under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) through a study based on the implementation of the State Environmental Policy Action Plan and Environmental Quality Monitoring Master Plan.
However, he said the preparation of the report faced several challenges due to gaps and the unavailability of certain environmental data.
“This challenge clearly shows the need to develop environmental data systematically and strengthen data coordination among agencies to support more comprehensive and effective environmental planning and monitoring,” he said.
Jafry stressed that environmental protection remained a key commitment of the State Government in ensuring that environmental sustainability and socio-economic development were pursued in a balanced manner.
He also highlighted the roles of the Sabah Environmental Protection Department (JPAS) and the Department of Environment (JAS) in enforcing environmental laws, monitoring environmental quality and promoting public awareness.
Meanwhile, Jafry congratulated SM Holy Trinity Tawau for winning the national Sustainable School – Environmental Award (SLAAS) 2025/2026 in the secondary school category at the national-level ceremony in Melaka on Sept 21.
At the state-level recognition ceremony, SJKC Tai Tong Sandakan emerged champion in the primary school category, followed by SJKC Cheng Ming, Keningau, in second place and SK Lok Yuk Inanam in third place. SJKC Tai Tong also received the Special Award for Special Elements.
For the secondary school category, SMK Tun Fuad, Kota Kinabalu, secured second place, while SMK Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Penampang, took third place, with SM Holy Trinity Tawau retaining the top position.
Introduced in 2005, SLAAS is a collaborative programme involving the Department of Environment Malaysia, Education Ministry and the Institute for Environment and Development (Lestari) of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
The programme aims to encourage environmental conservation through five components, namely school management, co-curricular activities, greening initiatives, curriculum and special elements.
He said other schools in Sabah that participated in the programme and demonstrated outstanding performance would also be recognised during the state celebration.
The celebration also saw the presentation of a RM100,000 sponsorship cheque from PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) for the 2026/2027 School Environmental Partner Programme (Serasi).
Jafry thanked PTTEP for its continued support of the programme since 2023, expressing hope that the partnership would enable more schools to implement practical and sustainable environmental education initiatives.
Introduced in 2003, Serasi is a flagship environmental education programme jointly organised by JPAS and JAS Sabah to recognise schools’ efforts in promoting environmental awareness among students and local communities.
