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SABAH is globally recognised for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty and has made significant strides in conservation and sustainable land use. 

Yet, like many places, it faces growing pressures—from climate change to unsustainable development—that threaten hard-won environmental gains. 

As Sabah prepares for the State Election, voters are concerned about the environment, economic resilience, job opportunities and quality of life. 

This is a pivotal moment to champion a green economy and sustainable development pathways that protect nature while securing long-term prosperity for all Sabahans.

WWF- Malaysia (Sabah) conducted a month-long survey across all 73 state constituencies (DUNs), reaffirming a strong and consistent public concern for environmental issues. 

As a science-based, non-partisan organisation legally registered in Malaysia, WWF-Malaysia has been working alongside government agencies, communities and partners to support conservation and sustainable development efforts in Sabah since the 1970s.

The data show unequivocal results. Over 90% of respondents across all age groups and zones reported being affected by environmental issues in some way and more than 90% declared that these concerns will influence their vote. 

This is not a niche issue for a select few; it is a mainstream concern that has become a key factor in Sabah’s political landscape. 

This unprecedented level of public engagement is a clear mandate for change and a powerful message to current and future policymakers.

A Unified Concern of Sabahans

While the top overall environmental concerns are consistently deforestation, waste management and extreme weather (climate change), the survey also highlights specific, localised challenges that require tailored solutions.

In the Northern Zone (Kudat–Kota Marudu–Pitas region), residents expressed concern over the impacts of extreme weather and the degradation of coastal and marine ecosystems. 

These concerns reflect the need for stronger safeguards against unsustainable development activities that may affect marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

The West Coast Zone (Papar–Kota Kinabalu–Kota Belud region) expressed strong concern about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, reflecting heightened awareness of climate change and its long-term impacts.

This concern also aligns with calls for better management of urban and industrial development to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner, healthier environments.

Respondents in the East Coast Zone (Beluran–Sandakan–Semporna–Tawau region) highlighted a range of environmental concerns, including deforestation, extreme weather events, human-wildlife conflict and the degradation of natural habitats. 

There is also growing awareness of pollution issues, particularly plastic waste, which affects people and the terrestrial and marine environments. 

These concerns reflect the need for integrated policies that balance development with environmental protection and community well-being.

In the Interior Zone (Keningau-Beaufort-Tenom-Tambunan region), respondents identified extreme weather, deforestation and waste management as their top environmental concerns. 

These issues reflect the region’s growing awareness of the need for sustainable land use and for improved waste infrastructure to support environmental health and community well-being.

These localised issues, from forest clearing in the Interior Division to plastic and other waste polluting the seas along the East Coast, demonstrate that environmental problems are not abstract concepts, but tangible realities that affect daily life and well-being. 

The survey’s findings are a clear call to action for specific, on-the-ground interventions.

Perennially plagued by challenges such as flash floods and landslides, Sabah continues to grapple with the complex interplay of factors, including changing climate patterns, land-use pressures and environmental degradation. 

The tragic loss of 13 lives during the September floods and landslides is a stark reminder of the urgent need for more integrated and forward-looking development planning. 

The power to shape a safer, more sustainable future lies in our collective hands—one vote at a time.

What Sabahans Want

The people of Sabah are not only concerned about environmental issues—they are solution- oriented. The top five initiatives identified through the survey are: 1) stricter environmental standards, 2) stronger enforcement of existing laws, 3) effective management of protected areas, 4) improved recycling and waste management systems and 5) new legislation to curb deforestation. These reflect a comprehensive and actionable agenda that demands political will and long-term commitment. 

The survey results offer policymakers a clear mandate: Sabahans expect decisive leadership and meaningful action on environmental governance.

The choices made today will shape the future of Sabah’s ecosystems. 

Political candidates who prioritise environmental issues in their manifestos and actions will be aligning with the will of the people. 

As voters engage with candidates in the lead-up to the election, this is a critical moment to raise environmental concerns, demand sustainable development and ask for clear plans of action. Every vote is a step toward safeguarding Sabah’s natural heritage.

Our Voice, Our Future

Sabah’s natural heritage is the backbone of our economy, culture and identity. 

From the biodiversity of our forests to the health of our rivers and seas, everything is interconnected. 

The strong public response to this survey is a powerful reminder that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility.

Our message to electoral candidates is clear: environmental sustainability must be central to Sabah’s development agenda. 

Based on the top concerns voiced by respondents across all 73 state constituencies, we call on political parties to commit to five priority areas:

• Uphold and implement Sabah’s existing environmental policies, including forest and marine protection targets;

• Strengthen sustainability and climate resilience through integrated land-use planning, sustainable agriculture and fisheries and a climate-resilient food system;

• Ensure development respects communities and nature, guided by ESG principles and safeguarding key ecosystems;

• Tackle plastic pollution and improve waste management, by fully implementing the national roadmap and reducing pollution at the source; and

• Enhance enforcement to combat wildlife crime through strategic, multi-stakeholder collaboration and support for Sabah’s 10-year plan to combat wildlife crime.

The vote is our most powerful tool. We urge aspiring politicians to honour the voice of the people by integrating these priorities into their manifestos, including what they would do in the first 100 days if elected.

See the full Open Letter for Political Parties in Sabah: Environmental Commitments in Election Manifestos 

WWF Malaysia

The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: Forum@dailyexpress.com.my