Kota Kinabalu: The State Government will look into formulating responsible mining guidelines and setting sustainability standards for infrastructure projects, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.
He said this was among Sabah’s initiatives and commitments to help propel Malaysia forward with a clear ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
“I would like to thank all parties, especially WWF, for their commitment in bringing these initiatives to fruition,” he said at the WWF Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary dinner at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, here, Thursday night.
His speech was read by State Local Government and Housing Minister cum Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.
Hajiji said the State Government understands the importance of conservation, especially in Sabah, which is known internationally as a biodiversity hotspot.
“We recognise 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 is committed to ensuring that our good track record of environmental conservation continues,” he said.
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.
“Among 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 wellbeing 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 we had today.
“By balancing short-term and long-term needs, we will ensure the youths today will not be put in a disadvantaged position in the future,” he said.
Among those who attended the function was Malaysia World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Chairman Tan Sri Abul Wahid Omar.
