Langom research station is testimony that Sabah govt committed to conservation

New Straits Times

24-06-2025

LAHAD DATU: Sabah has launched the Langom Control Centre and Research Station at the Danum Valley Conservation Area here.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said having another scientific facility showed the commitment of the Sabah government to conservation and biodiversity research efforts in the state.
He said the initiative by Yayasan Sabah, in collaboration with the Sabah Forestry Department, augurs well for the goal of creating a conducive research environment while ensuring sustainable forest management.
Hajiji said, with support from all quarters, including the federal government, conservation areas like Danum Valley and the whole of the DaMaI (Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon) Rainforest Landscape would remain as one of the world's biodiversity treasure troves.
At the same time, he said, it would make it the country's foremost research, education and conservation centre.
"I am hopeful that the federal government will consider channeling more support, particularly in the form of continuous funding through the National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources (NCTF) as well as in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan," he said.
Hajiji said this at the opening of the Langom Control Centre and Research Station here today in a speech delivered by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
Hajiji said the setting up of the centre through the RM5.6 million fund from the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry under the 12th Malaysia Plan was in line with the thrust of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan.
"This initiative reflects the state government's commitment to balance economic development with conservation of natural resources for the long-term prosperity of the people and future generations," he said.
Hajiji also commended Yayasan Sabah for its excellent achievement in managing and preserving the Danum Valley Conservation Area and others like.
He said the research station, established within the Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve under the management committee of the Sabah Forestry Department and the involvement of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), is located in a very strategic area between the Face The Future project site from the Netherlands (INFAPRO) and the Danum Valley Studies Centre.
"With the virgin Danum Valley forest just across the river, the area where we now stand is a buffer zone that has been restored through the INFAPRO Project within the Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve.
"Many are unaware that the forest we passed through on our way here today is a restored forest, the result of years of dedicated effort.
"This is proof that forest restoration can be successful if we have vision and commitment, and Sabah has already accomplished this," he said.