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KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Assembly has passed the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, positioning Sabah as a national leader in environmental protection and climate resilience.

Assistant Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the Bill safeguards Sabah’s status as a “net carbon sink” – one of the few places in the world that absorbs more carbon than it emits. 

Sabah currently accounts for 36pc of Malaysia’s total carbon sequestration.

He called this a “strategic economic asset” that must be protected through sound governance to avoid losing its environmental advantage, while noting that Sabah is also one of Malaysia’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

The new law will create a comprehensive carbon governance framework, promote inclusive climate action, and ensure that climate benefits reach all Sabahans.

Abidin said success will require investment, capacity-building, and collaboration across all levels, with a focus on using Sabah’s natural advantage wisely.