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Kota Kinabalu: Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has proposed forming a multi-agency steering committee to coordinate action on the Likas Green Belt and address environmental concerns affecting the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site.

The proposal followed an engagement session with the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society led by its president Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa, which presented its vision for an integrated Likas Green Belt initiative focused on sustainable development, environmental conservation and tourism potential.

Joniston, who oversees Kota Kinabalu City Hall, said the concept offers an opportunity to reposition the state capital as a well-managed coastal zone balancing ecological preservation with urban development.

Concerns were raised over water quality, with the society highlighting drainage and runoff from surrounding developments believed to be flowing into the wetlands and coastal waters.

He said the issues require coordinated action across agencies due to overlapping jurisdictions involving drainage systems, land use and development planning, and added that further discussions will be held to formalise the proposed committee and chart a practical way forward.