LAHAD DATU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said the opening of the Langom Control Centre and Research Station at the Danum Valley Conservation Area is testimony of the Sabah Government’s commitment to the conservation and biodiversity research efforts in the state.
He said the initiative by Yayasan Sabah, in collaboration with the State Forestry Department, augured well with the goal of creating a conducive research environment while ensuring sustainable forest management.
“Therefore, I wish to reiterate the State Government’s full support to conservation and research efforts such as this.
“I am hopeful that the Federal Government will consider channeling more support, particularly in the form of continuous funding through the National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources (NCTF) as well as in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan,” he said at the opening of the Langom Control Centre and Research Station here today.
His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister III/Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
The Chief Minister was confident that with support from all quarters, including the Federal Government, conservation areas like Danum Valley and the whole of DaMaI (Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon) Rainforest Landscape would remain as the world’s biodiversity treasure troves, while at the same time making it as the country’s foremost research, education and conservation centre.
Hajiji said the setting up of the centre through the RM5.6 million fund from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability under the 12th Malaysia Plan was in line with the thrust of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, especially in environment conservation and sustainable development.
“This initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment to balance economic development with conservation of natural resources for the long-term prosperity of the people and future generations,” he said.
Hajiji commended Yayasan Sabah for its excellent achievement in managing and preserving the Danum Valley Conservation Area and others like it for so long.
“Yayasan Sabah Group has not only played a crucial role in safeguarding the priceless forest reserves conservation areas and Totally Protected Areas (TPA) but also in elevating Sabah’s name onto the international stage as a model of transparent, integritydriven, and visionary conservation area management,” he said.
He also paid tribute to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability for its support, which led to the completion of the research station.
He said the research station, established within the Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve under the Management Committee of the Sabah Forestry Department that also involved Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), is located in a very strategic area between the Face The Future project site from the Netherlands (INFAPRO) and the Danum Valley Studies Centre.
“With the virgin Danum Valley forest just across the river, the area where we now stand is a buffer zone that has been restored through the INFAPRO Project within the Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve.
“Many are unaware that the forest we passed through on our way here today is a restored forest, the result of years of dedicated effort. This is proof that forest restoration can be successful if we have vision and commitment, and Sabah has already accomplished this,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the centre would also be ideal for educating the younger generation through environmental education programmes such as those currently conducted by the Sabah Nature Club.
He welcomed the initiative by the Sabah Nature Club under the supervision of the Yayasan Sabah Group to adopt several schools in Lahad Datu under its wings.
“I believe this step will open opportunities for the younger generation to understand and appreciate environmental conservation from an early age,” he said.
The Chief Minister assured that the Sabah Government will continue to implement development programmes characterised by green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources and ensuring environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth for future generations.
“As a state rich in natural resources, research on the management and conservation of these resources is significant. This includes research on how these resources can be used sustainably for the benefit of the people and the nation, as well as the impact on the environment,” he said.-pr/BNN
