KOTA KINABALU: The State Government will look into formulating responsible mining
guidelines for the mining industry, and setting sustainability standards for infrastructure
projects, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said this was among Sabah’s initiatives and commitments to help propel Malaysia forward with a clear ambition to achieve net zero by 2025.
“I would like to thank all parties, especially WWF for their commitment in bringing thesei nitiatives to fruition,” he said at the WWF Malaysia 50th Anniversary dinner at ShangriLa’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa here Thursday night.H
His speech was delivered by Local Government and Housing Minister cum Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
Hajiji said the State Government understands the importance of conservation, especially in Sabah, where we are known internationally as a biodiversity hotspot.
“We recognised that environmental protection and sustainable development can go hand In hand and have made efforts to ensure that our unique ecosystem continues to be protected,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Tun Mustapha Marine Park is also a significant marine conservation area.
In 2016, all the islands and islets inside the area were gazetted as a marine park, which included the three major islands of Banggi, Balambangan and Malawali.
In terms of eco-tourism, it is unquestionable that these efforts will be rewarding to the
economy and the people, he said.
“The State government of Sabah is committed to ensuring that our good track record of
environmental conservation continues. Towards this end, the State government is committed to realising the various ongoing conservation initiatives that will no doubt contribute towards our overall goal of green sustainability.
“Amongst others, we are committed to endorsing the Sabah Wildlife Policy and the Turtle Action Plan that is developed by the Sabah Wildlife Department. Through these policies, the true value of wildlife to Sabah’s economy and social well-being will both be realised
and enhanced,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government was also committed to supporting Darvel Bay’s
gazettement in Lahad Datu as a Marine Protected Area.
The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Sabah Parks and
WWF-Malaysia for a five-year collaboration to conduct research and studies at Darvel
Bay marked Sabah’s first step towards this end.
He said economic development was necessary to enhance the lives and livelihoods of
the people of Sabah, however, the State government also acknowledged that this
development needed to be sustainable to ensure that future generations will also be able
to benefit from the gains that may be had today.
“By balancing short-term and long-term needs, we will ensure the youth today will not be
put in a disadvantaged position in the future,” he said.-pr/BNN
