KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government will collaborate with all stakeholders
to combat climate change and its challenges, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima
Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
He said the State Government is taking steps in this direction, including agroforestry
programmes, organic farming incentives, and community-based conservation projects
aimed at building resilience among local populations.
“However, these efforts require sustained support not only from within Malaysia but also
from international partners committed to fostering sustainable development,” he said at
the Kinabalu Convention 2025: Food Security, Climate Change and Investment at the
Magellan Sutera Resort here today.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister/Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Industry Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
He said addressing food insecurity and climate change requires more than goodwill
since it demands substantial financial resources and strategic partnerships.
“The private sector is called upon to get involved and complement efforts by the
government. We invite businesses, investors and all like-minded organisations to
explore green investments to address these issues,” he said.
According to a recent estimate by the United Nations (UN Report 2023), globally, nearly
733 million people face hunger every day, while rising food prices, supply chain
disruptions, and extreme weather events have only exacerbated this crisis, he said.
“For Malaysia, and especially for Sabah, our reliance on imported staples like rice and
wheat makes us vulnerable to external shocks, making food security a pressing
concern,” he said.
Hajiji said addressing food security begins with confronting its root cause, which is
climate change.
In Sabah, rising temperatures, unpredictable monsoon seasons, and intensified storms
are devastating crops, destroying livelihoods, and displacing families, he said, adding
coastal areas were increasingly vulnerable to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources,
further jeopardising both agriculture and drinking water supplies.
He said that worsening these challenges was deforestation, eroding ecosystems critical
for carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
“While these trends are alarming, they are not irreversible. Combating climate change is
not only an environmental necessity but also a moral obligation to future generations.
“By investing in renewable energy, promoting reforestation, and adopting climate-smart
agriculture, we can mitigate the worst effects of global warming and secure long-term
food availability,” he said
The Chief Minister said the convention offered an opportune platform to discuss, share
knowledge and commit to concrete actions that included strengthening regional
cooperation, promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering local communities.-pr/BNN
