Kundasang: A total of 139 plastic bags containing dandelion plant collections weighing 293.7kg were successfully collected by volunteers in the Alien Species Eradication programme held at Kinabalu Park on Friday.
The gotong-royong for alien species eradication programme is not just a cleaning activity, but rather an urgent need.
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It has become a great responsibility that needs to be taken in order to preserve the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of Kinabalu Park as a globally recognised World Heritage Site.
This ongoing commitment is also a manifestation of the seriousness of all parties in responding to the criticisms regarding the threat of alien species that have been raised in international assessments.
Particularly, in paying serious attention to the Conservation Outlook Assessment report by IUCN which has been carried out four times, namely in 2014, 2017, 2020 and the latest assessment in 2025.
The consistency of the criticism in these assessments requires the Park and related parties to multiply control efforts in the field more aggressively and systematically.
Deputy Director of the Operations, Privatisation and Development Sector, Sabah Parks, Maipol Spait, said that in line with these physical actions, Sabah Parks also continues to strengthen scientifically based actions.
According to him, research officers are actively conducting a comprehensive study on this threat, which involves a recent study titled “Species richness and distribution of alien plant species in Kinabalu Park”.
He added that the study was led by Vanielie Terrence Justine together with the Sabah Parks research team.
“The results of this study have successfully documented 98 alien plant species around the Park, of which 65 are classified as invasive species that are harmful to our ecosystem.
“These findings, including the identification of the most widespread species such as Hypochaeris radicata and Plantago major, are very critical basic data for us to formulate more effective eradication strategies in the future. Therefore, the presence of all parties in this gotong-royong is a direct contribution to the survival of our natural heritage,” he said.
Among the agencies involved in the programme are Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Mountain Torq, Koktas, Mount Kinabalu Malim Association (Pemangkina), Mount Kinabalu Porter Association Sabah (PPGKS), Council of Elders, Royal Malaysian Navy (REBRO), Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), SMK Bundu Tuhan, SMK Kundasang, Ranau Fire Department, Telekom, Sabapak Eco and others.
Maipol said this during the 62nd Kinabalu Park Gazette Anniversary Programme held at the Kinabalu Hall near here on Friday. He said the celebration was a day full of gratitude because it was held to commemorate a very significant date in the country’s conservation history.
“Today, January 16, 2026, marks the 62nd anniversary of the gazetting of Kinabalu Park as a protected area that we are all proud of,” he said.
The programme’s agenda continued with another important achievement, namely the Handover of the Mount Kinabalu Malim Operation Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Book to Pemangkina.
This document serves as the main reference to strengthen the system of implementing procedures and action processes related to the duties of Malim Gunung when accompanying climbers.
The preparation of this SOP is a significant step to ensure that the services provided are organised, coordinated, and comply with international safety standards. This document also serves as an official reference for State and Federal Government rescue agencies in any related operations.
“Although the application of this SOP has come into effect on January 1, 2023, the physical handover today is a symbol of reminder to all Pemangkina members and management to always comply with the guidelines set for the safety of all parties,” he said.
Maipol added that the day’s programme combined two of the most important elements in Park management, namely ecosystem conservation through science and strengthening security governance.
He expressed his highest appreciation to all strategic partners, security agencies, researchers, and the community who made the programme a success.
