Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has been officially confirmed as a carbon-negative state, meaning it absorbs more carbon than it emits, based on findings from its first-ever Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory Report 2024.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun (pic), said the landmark finding was based on studies conducted by the Sabah Climate Change Action Council (SCAC).
Responding to a question from Sook assemblyman Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, he said the report provides the state with its first comprehensive understanding of emissions across multiple sectors.
“The findings confirm that Sabah absorbs more carbon than it emits, placing the state in a carbon-negative position and contributing significantly to the national climate agenda,” he said.
Mandela explained that the GHG inventory, along with a climate vulnerability assessment, is among the two key studies carried out by SCAC since its establishment in 2022.
The carbon-negative status indicates that Sabah’s natural ecosystems—such as its vast forests—are removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they emit through human activities, such as industry, transport, and energy use.
Mandela said the findings have since guided the state government in strengthening its climate governance, including the formulation of new laws.
This led to the passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 in July last year, aimed at improving oversight and coordination of climate-related actions.
To further support implementation, the state will establish the Sabah Climate Registration and Inventory Centre (SaCRIC), which will regulate carbon activities and ensure proper enforcement of the new law.
He added that SCAC continues to play a central role in coordinating Sabah’s climate response, including developing mitigation and adaptation plans in collaboration with the federal government.
At the same time, efforts are ongoing to enhance data collection and reporting to meet Malaysia’s commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
Mandela said Sabah is also working to refine local data to produce more accurate future GHG inventories and identify suitable carbon projects that can support sustainable development.
Overall, the confirmation of Sabah’s carbon-negative status puts the state in a strong position to address climate change, while opening up opportunities in the low-carbon economy.
