Kota Kinabalu: Head of State Tun Musa Aman said Sabah would continue to prioritise sustainable management of natural resources with a balance between biodiversity conservation, economic sustainability and community wellbeing.
He said particular focus is given to communities dependent on forest resources to ensure their livelihoods remain protected alongside environmental conservation.
“Under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), he said the State would intensify efforts in forest conservation, climate governance, community development and green innovation,” he said.
Musa noted that among the key initiatives are the implementation of Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures to support Totally Protected Areas targets.
He said this would be complemented by the Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System Plus as well as the use of satellite technology and Earth Observation systems.
“The Forest Landscape Restoration approach will be expanded across agricultural land, production forests and community areas,” he said.
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He said the initiative aims to restore ecological functions while enhancing the socio-economic wellbeing of local communities.
On carbon governance, he said Sabah aims to lead in implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in Malaysia.
He said this includes leveraging voluntary carbon markets as a new financing mechanism to support conservation efforts.
“The State Government will also table amendments to land-related legislation this year, including revisions to the Land (Subsidiary Title) Enactment 1972 and the introduction of a Building Management Enactment,” he said.
He said the move is aimed at improving efficiency in strata title issuance as well as building management and maintenance.
He said Sabah is also expected to assume environmental management powers under MA63, beginning with scheduled waste management.
“Full implementation is targeted by November and will be supported by new laws, guidelines and digital management systems.
“Technical capacity building programmes will also be carried out for both government officers and industry players,” he added.
On marine resources, he said Sabah had been identified as the national Blue Economy hub due to its strong ocean-based potential.
He said the State has outlined a Blue Economy framework covering marine resources, trade activities, environmental protection and river systems.
The Sabah Blue Economy Council has been established to coordinate implementation of related policies and strategies.
“A master plan for a Blue Economy Industrial Park in Kudat is currently being developed,” he said.
Musa emphasised that marine spatial planning is also being considered to identify and structure future industries within the blue economy sector.
