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KOTA KINABALU: Rural communities in Sabah remain largely unaware of the realities and risks of global warming despite the State being among Malaysia’s leading contributors to climate and forest conservation efforts, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup (pic).

Speaking after a Communication, Education and Public Awareness session here on Thursday, he called for stronger involvement from local authorities and rural communities to support national climate targets under the Paris Agreement.

He said participation from Sabah, including its local authorities, remains very low and greater efforts are needed so more people, especially in rural areas, can take part in initiatives that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles.

Arthur said programmes such as the Low Carbon Cities initiative require cooperation from the private sector, government agencies and local councils, but uptake from Sabah’s local authorities has been limited despite the State’s role in climate governance and its extensive forest reserves.

He added that the National Climate Change Bill, known as RUUPIN, is being finalised and expected to be tabled in Parliament this year to institutionalise climate action across government levels and support Malaysia’s target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.