Mitigating climate change impact in Sabah

Daily Express

18-05-2025

Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025
By: Larry Ralon, Ricardo Unto Text Size: Hajiji launching the State Government's 100-hectare padi pilot project at Kampung Ongkilan in Kota Marudu on Aug 13, 2024, as part of the efforts to boost Sabah's rice self-sufficiency level (SSL). THE Sabah Government is taking proactive steps to address climate change and global warming challenges with the establishment of the Sabah Climate Action Council (SCAC) and significant funding for mitigation and adaptation initiatives. The Council, chaired by the State Secretary, plays a crucial role in setting the direction and coordinating mitigation and adaptation projects across Sabah.
Advertisement Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said a Climate Change Unit has also been set up within the Sabah Forestry Department as the Interim Secretariat for the SCAC, since forestry plays a key role in climate change management under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) sector, specifically in Land Use, Land Use Change & Forestry (LULUCF). The State Government has allocated RM3 million per year to the Climate Change Unit for implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives. 'In 2024, the unit focused on two key components: the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and a study on Climate Change Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation in Sabah,' said Hajiji. 'These components must be implemented urgently, as they serve as the foundation for Sabah's climate change policy and carbon trading framework. It is also crucial for assessing the feasibility of carbon-related projects in the State,' he said.
Advertisement Since its setting up in 2022, the SCAC is tasked with overseeing all climate-related initiatives in Sabah. At the 4th SCAC meeting on Aug 2, 2024, a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Vulnerability and Adaptation was proposed, led by the Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry. Hajiji highlighted that Sabah successfully completed consultancy services for the development of the Sabah Climate Change Policy in July 2024. This policy specifically focuses on two core components – Development of Sabah's GHG Inventory and Study on the Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in Sabah. 'The Sabah Government remains committed to strengthening resilience against climate change. By ensuring strategic planning, dedicated funding and inter-agency cooperation, we are positioning Sabah to better manage and mitigate the effects of climate change,' he said. Asked on the SCAC's recommendations to the Sabah Government, Hajiji said the SCAC has actively engaged in discussions regarding the impacts of climate change in Sabah since inception in 2022. 'Matters related to the vulnerability, impacts and adaptation of climate change in Sabah were discussed in detail during the SCAC's first meeting in 2022,' he said. 'These discussions were an integral part of a comprehensive study conducted by Aurecon Lestari Sdn Bhd, which has recently been completed.' A Cabinet Paper outlining actions based on the consultancy's findings and recommendations is being prepared by the SCAC Secretariat. Additionally, he highlighted that the Natural Resource Office (NRO) is working on a separate Cabinet Paper focused on the institutional setup and governance of the Climate Change Division within the NRO, as proposed during the fourth SCAC meeting. 'Furthermore, we are establishing other Technical Working Groups (TWGs) that will address climate change issues in Sabah, including those related to Communication, Educationa and Public Awareness (CEPA) and technology,' he said. On the achievements made in Sabah's green initiatives under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, the Chief Minister said green sustainability refers to the responsible use and management of Sabah's natural resources, ensuring that 'we meet current needs while allowing future generations to do the same.' Hajiji emphasised the importance of integrating environmental protection with human development, particularly in the forestry sector. He highlighted significant strides Sabah has made in sustainable forestry. 'Our conservation programmes, sustainable forestry initiatives and community development projects are clear evidence of our commitment to sustainability. However, our journey does not end here; we must continue to innovate, adapt and strive for excellence in our practices.' He said key achievements include: Sabah's 2nd Strategic Action Plan (SPA): Launched at the first Heart of Borneo (HoB) Symposium in 2022, this plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap to tackle environmental challenges, promote sustainable land use and support biodiversity conservation in the HoB region. Forest Plantation Development Action Plan (2022-2036): This long-term master plan aims to ensure a sustainable timber supply for the wood industry while enhancing the quality and productivity of forest plantations, ultimately fostering economic growth alongside natural forest preservation. Sabah Climate Action Council (SCAC): With the Sabah Forestry Department appointed as the Secretariat, this council is tasked with coordinating efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, integrating forestry within broader climate response strategies. Sabah 25-Year Master Plan: Currently in its finalisation stages, this comprehensive plan will guide the long-term objectives of the Sabah Forestry Department, focusing on sustainable resource management and socioeconomic growth. Sabah Mangrove Action Plan (SMAP): Launched at the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference (SIBEC) 2024, SMAP aims to guide the planning and management of mangrove forests, underscoring Sabah's dedication to coastal protection, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Plan: Sustainability is a central element of the Green Infrastructure Network and Sustainability Pillar included in this plan. Looking ahead, Hajiji said Sabah aims to expand reforestation efforts, incorporate advanced technology in forest management and strengthen international collaborations. 'Through the Sabah Forestry Department, we are determined to develop a resilient and sustainable forestry sector that not only meets today's needs but also protects resources for future generations,' he said. Forests as lifeline for future generations SABAH remains committed to preserving its forests and planting more trees as part of its ongoing efforts to minimise the impact of global warming. CM Hajiji reiterated the Sabah Government's dedication to maintaining forest conservation policies, recognising the crucial role forests play in climate mitigation. 'Sabah will continue its policy of maintaining and expanding forested areas while implementing tree-planting initiatives to combat the effects of climate change. Our forests are among our greatest assets, and we must protect them for future generations,' he said. Currently, approximately 63 per cent of Sabah's land area is covered by forests, with around 3.8 million hectares – or 52pc of the State's total land area – already gazetted as Forest Reserves, Sabah Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. 'The Sabah Government takes pride in preserving these protected areas, in line with Malaysia's national commitment to maintaining at least 50pc of the country's land under forest cover. 'Additionally, Sabah remains committed to its policy of designating no less than 30pc of the State's total land area as Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) by 2025, ensuring sufficient space for environmental protection and ecosystem enhancement,' said Hajiji. 'These initiatives demonstrate Sabah's commitment to environmental sustainability while supporting Malaysia's broader conservation goals,' he emphasised. The Sabah Government's efforts align with its broader commitment to tackling climate change and promoting green technology. These conservation policies also contribute to Malaysia's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP-26), reinforcing Sabah's role in the global fight against climate change. The Chief Minister said one of Sabah's key conservation programmes is the Heart of Borneo (HoB) Initiative, which serves as a crucial adaptation strategy in addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity. To strengthen this initiative, the Sabah Government has developed the Heart of Borneo Initiative Strategic Action Plan to enhance conservation and management efforts within this vital ecological region. This strategy ensures that Sabah's environmental protection measures evolve in tandem with economic and social developments. Furthermore, under the Green Sustainability Roadmap of the Sabah Maju Jaya Initiative, the Sabah Forestry Department has outlined significant forest restoration activities. These include silvicultural treatments covering 5,000 hectares and enrichment planting for 1,000 hectares of degraded forest areas annually, demonstrating Sabah's proactive approach to reforestation and ecosystem rehabilitation. 'Our forest conservation efforts are not just about environmental protection – they are integral to our state's sustainable development goals,' said Hajiji 'We remain committed to ensuring that Sabah continues to lead in conservation and climate action.' With these initiatives, Sabah continues to set a strong example in environmental stewardship, demonstrating how sustainable policies and conservation strategies can mitigate climate change while ensuring ecological and economic resilience.