Latest news with #Enactment
Daily Express
30-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah well prepared for carbon market: Chief Minister
Published on: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 30, 2025 Text Size: Masidi, representing the Chief Minister, greeting Borneo Rhino Alliance Executive Director John Payne. Accompanying Masidi was KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific Chairman Tan Sri Majid Khan. Kota Kinabalu: The passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent Sabah Legislative Assembly sitting has opened up opportunities for the State to attract investors, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. 'This legal foundation gives investors the certainty they need. But the bigger opportunity lies in Asean cooperation. To grow this space, we need a functioning regional carbon market. 'That means common standards, regulatory alignment and mutual recognition of credits across borders. A fragmented system will only delay investment. 'Sabah is ready to work with other Asean countries to push this agenda forward. Our forests are already doing their part. Now the frameworks must catch up,' he said at the Asean Sustainable Forestry Summit 2025 at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Tuesday. His speech was read by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. Hajiji said the Enactment creates the Sabah Climate Action Council, a Climate Fund, a State-level emissions inventory and a framework for benefit-sharing, particularly with indigenous communities. 'Carbon rights have been legally affirmed as belonging to the State Government. And carbon related activities from project approval to credit trading will now be governed by a clear and enforceable structure,' he said. The Chief Minister reiterated that Sabah is now a net sink jurisdiction – absorbing more carbon than it emits. 'We are among the rare few jurisdictions in the world to hold this status, and it is estimated that Sabah alone contributes approximately 36 per cent of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration. 'This is more than an environmental milestone. It is a strategic economic asset. In a carbon constrained world, it is a competitive advantage we cannot afford to lose,' he said. Hajiji said forestry is central to Sabah's economy, environment and future. 'Under the State Government's development plan, the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ), we have embedded sustainable forestry into our long-term growth strategy. 'In 2022, we introduced the Forest Plantation Development Action Plan, a 15-year blueprint to rehabilitate 400,000 hectares of degraded forest. This initiative is not just about replanting trees. It is about securing a reliable timber supply, generating green jobs and strengthening rural economies. 'Achieving the targets set out in this plan requires the continued commitment of Forest Management Unit (FMU) licence holders and working in close partnership with the Sabah Forestry Department,' he said. In this regard, Hajiji urged all FMU licence holders to fulfil their obligations while the Sabah Forestry Department strengthens its role in tracking progress and ensuring that implementation stays on course. "Once fully realised, the plan is projected to contribute more than RM11 billion to Sabah's GDP and create 40,000 jobs across the value chain,' he said. He also said timber remained a strategic sector for Sabah, with timber royalties rising to RM171 million in 2024, marking an increase of RM16 million from the previous year. 'Export volumes have also grown steadily, especially to Japan, the United States and Taiwan. Our target is clear: to reduce dependence on natural forests and scale up plantation based, sustainable timber production,' he said. At the same time, he noted that Sabah, as the largest producer of crude palm oil (CPO) in Malaysia, contributing over 25 per cent of the national output, is also advancing its leadership in the palm oil industry. 'In 2024, Malaysia's CPO production reached 19.3 million tonnes, which is the highest in six years, and global demand remains strong. We are leveraging this advantage to attract investments in downstream processing, biofuels and palm-based innovation. "Facilities such as the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster in Lahad Datu and the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park have positioned Sabah as a hub for value-added manufacturing and biomass development, making them the engines of transformation," he said. The Chief Minister said forestry and climate are now at the core of economic strategy for Sabah, for Malaysia and Asean. "This Summit reflects that shift. We are no longer treating sustainability as optional. It is part of how we create jobs, attract investment and strengthen resilience,' he said. In a nutshell, the Chief Minister said with clear laws, strong institutions and the Hala Tuju SMJ roadmap to guide implementation, Sabah is well prepared for the carbon market. 'Our forests and communities are already doing the hard work of carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection and sustainable use. But we cannot do this alone. 'We welcome those who bring capital, expertise and long-term partnerships from Asean and beyond. Invest in Sabah. You are investing in a State that is stable, strategic and serious about a green future,' he said. Jointly organised by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and the Asean Economic Club, the Summit brings together policymakers, business leaders and environmental experts from across Southeast Asia to address the urgent need for sustainable forestry and climate resilience. Caption: Masidi, representing the Chief Minister, greeting Borneo Rhino Alliance Executive Director John Payne. Accompanying Masidi was KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific Chairman Tan Sri Majid Khan. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
29-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Enactment opens up investment opportunities in carbon market
Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun presenting the Asean Distinguished Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award to WSG Properties Sdn Bhd Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong in conjunction with the ASEAN Sustainable Forestry Summit on Tuesday. KOTA KINABALU (July 29): The passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent Sabah State Assembly sitting has opened up opportunities for Sabah to attract investors, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. 'This legal foundation gives investors the certainty they need. But the bigger opportunity lies in ASEAN cooperation. To grow this space, we need a functioning regional carbon market. 'That means common standards, regulatory alignment, and mutual recognition of credits across borders. A fragmented system will only delay investment. 'Sabah is ready to work with other ASEAN countries to push this agenda forward. Our forests are already doing their part. Now the frameworks must catch up,' he said at the ASEAN Sustainable Forestry Summit 2025 held at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort on Tuesday. Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun delivered his speech. Hajiji said the Enactment creates the Sabah Climate Action Council, a Climate Fund, a state-level emissions inventory, and a framework for benefit-sharing, particularly with indigenous communities. 'Carbon rights have been legally affirmed as belonging to the state government. And carbon-related activities from project approval to credit trading will now be governed by a clear and enforceable structure,' he said. The Chief Minister reiterated that Sabah is now a net sink jurisdiction – absorbing more carbon than it emits. 'We are among the rare few jurisdictions in the world to hold this status, and it is estimated that Sabah alone contributes approximately 36 per cent of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration. 'This is more than an environmental milestone. It is a strategic economic asset. In a carbon-constrained world, it is a competitive advantage we cannot afford to lose,' he said. Hajiji said forestry is central to Sabah's economy, environment, and future. 'Under the State Government's development plan, the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ), we have embedded sustainable forestry into our long-term growth strategy. 'In 2022, we introduced the Forest Plantation Development Action Plan, a 15-year blueprint to rehabilitate 400,000 hectares of degraded forest. This initiative is not just about replanting trees. It is about securing a reliable timber supply, generating green jobs and strengthening rural economies. 'Achieving the targets set out in this plan requires the continued commitment of Forest Management Unit (FMU) licence holders and working in close partnership with the Sabah Forestry Department,' he said. In this regard, Hajiji urged all FMU licence holders to fulfil their obligations while the Sabah Forestry Department strengthens its role in tracking progress and ensuring that implementation stays on course. Once fully realised, the plan is projected to contribute more than RM11 billion to Sabah's GDP and create 40,000 jobs across the value chain, he said. He also said timber remained a strategic sector for Sabah, with timber royalties rising to RM171 million in 2024, marking an increase of RM16 million from the previous year. 'Export volumes have also grown steadily, especially to Japan, the United States and Taiwan. Our target is clear: to reduce dependence on natural forests and scale up plantation-based, sustainable timber production,' he said. At the same time, he noted that Sabah, as the largest producer of crude palm oil (CPO) in Malaysia, contributing over 25 per cent of the national output, is also advancing its leadership in the palm oil industry. 'In 2024, Malaysia's CPO production reached 19.3 million tonnes, which is the highest in six years, and global demand remains strong. We are leveraging this advantage to attract investments in downstream processing, biofuels, and palm-based innovation. Facilities such as the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster in Lahad Datu and the Sipitang Oil and Gas Industrial Park have positioned Sabah as a hub for value-added manufacturing and biomass development, making them the engines of transformation, he said. 'Forestry and climate are now at the core of economic strategy for Sabah, for Malaysia and ASEAN. This Summit reflects that shift. We are no longer treating sustainability as optional. It is part of how we create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen resilience,' he said. In a nutshell, the Chief Minister stated that with clear laws, strong institutions, and the SMJ Roadmap to guide implementation, Sabah is well-prepared for the carbon market. 'Our forests and communities are already doing the hard work of carbon sequestration, biodiversity protection and sustainable use. But we cannot do this alone. 'We welcome those who bring capital, expertise and long-term partnerships from ASEAN and beyond. Invest in Sabah. You are investing in a state that is stable, strategic and serious about a green future,' he said. Jointly organised by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and the ASEAN Economic Club, the Summit brings together policy makers, business leaders and environmental experts from across Southeast Asia to address the urgent need for sustainable forestry and climate resilience.
Daily Express
29-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Climate enactment opens doors to green investors in Sabah
Published on: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 29, 2025 Text Size: Masidi greeted by Borneo Rhino Alliance Executive Director John Payne. Accompanying Masidi was KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific Chairman Tan Sri Majid Khan. - Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: The newly-passed Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 has positioned Sabah to attract regional investment in the growing carbon market, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. In a speech delivered by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the Asean Sustainable Forestry Summit 2025, Hajiji said clear legislation gives investors confidence, while regional cooperation is key to long-term growth. He stressed the need for Asean to develop common standards, align regulations, and recognise carbon credits across borders to avoid fragmented systems that discourage investment. The Enactment also establishes the Sabah Climate Action Council, a Climate Fund, and an emissions inventory, while affirming carbon rights under state jurisdiction and introducing a clear structure for project approvals and trading. Hajiji said Sabah's forests now absorb more carbon than the state emits, contributing about 36 per cent of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration—an environmental achievement and economic asset. He also highlighted Sabah's Forest Plantation Development Action Plan, aimed at rehabilitating 400,000 hectares over 15 years and creating 40,000 jobs, with FMU licence holders urged to stay committed to the plan. Sabah is also leveraging its strengths in timber and palm oil to attract downstream investment, with Hajiji calling for long-term partnerships to build a resilient, green economy rooted in sustainable forestry and carbon governance. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
25-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Exploring Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion potential in Tawau
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Nizam visiting one of the booths at the World Biodiversity Day celebration. SEMPORNA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 during the recent State Assembly sitting has placed Sabah at the forefront of environmental conservation and resilience against climate change. He said the implementation of the Enactment will ensure the involvement of Sabah's native communities and protect their rights through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) process. 'I wish to emphasise that the State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the State's natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystems,' he said during the State-level World Biodiversity Day celebration at Dewan Arena Belia, here, Thursday. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. Hajiji said this year's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development', is meaningful as it highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy planet, enhancing human wellbeing and securing a sustainable future. He reminded the public, especially Sabahans, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities and to always consider the impact on biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems. 'By protecting and valuing nature, we safeguard not only biodiversity but also our economic and social wellbeing for current and future generations,' he said. He emphasised that the theme aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2034 and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which promotes green practices and sustainable development. Hajiji also said Sabah is the first state in Malaysia to implement the Blue Economy concept under the SMJ development agenda. Through this initiative, the State Government is exploring the potential of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in Tawau waters as a renewable energy source. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, together with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), in carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah. He commended their commitment and contributions to marine conservation. He assured that tourism activities in Semporna will be well regulated to ensure they do not harm marine biodiversity, while still providing benefits to the local community. He said conservation efforts require strong support from all parties, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, local communities and the people of Sabah. 'I urge everyone to continue protecting Sabah's natural wealth so that future generations can continue to benefit from these resources,' he said. He said the State Government will continue to prioritise green sustainability in its development programmes, by ensuring responsible management of natural resources and a balance between environmental protection, social well-being and economic growth. Captions: Dekeep Halisca CLIMATE1 - Nizam visiting one of the booths at the World Biodiversity Day celebration. CLIMATE2 - Nizam receiving a memento after presenting the participation certificate to the Wildlife Department. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah to regulate Semporna tourism activities for marine biodiversity
SEMPORNA (July 24): The State Government will ensure that tourism activities in Semporna are well-regulated and do not disrupt marine biodiversity but providing benefits and advantages to the people of Sabah. This is in line with the focus on exploring, promoting and supporting the Blue Economy, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. However, he said conservation efforts needed strong support from all quarters, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, the local community, and the people of Sabah in general. 'I urge that we continue to protect Sabah's natural wealth so that the current and future generations will continue to experience and enjoy the benefits and advantages of these natural resources,' he said during the World Biodiversity Day celebrations at the Dewan Arena Belia here today. The Chief Minister's speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. Hajiji added that the State Government, on its part, would continue to implement development programmes that emphasise green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources, as well as ensuring environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth for future generations. He also said the approval of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent State Assembly sitting had positioned Sabah as the nation's leader in environmental conservation and resilience against climate change. He said the implementation of the Enactment would ensure the involvement of Sabah's native community and their rights are protected through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure. 'I wish to emphasise that the Sabah State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the state's natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem,' he said. He said the celebration's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development', is meaningful and underscored the crucial roles both elements play in preserving the health of the planet, enhancing human well-being and ensuring a sustainable future. 'This theme is also timely and serves as a reminder to humanity, especially the people of Sabah, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities without considering the sustainability of biodiversity, the well-being of animals, plants and ecosystems that bring benefits to our lives,' he said. 'By ensuring that nature is protected and valued, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also secure economic and social well-being for current and future generations. 'This concept aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2034. At the same time, today's celebration and theme also reflect the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which is fundamentally anchored in promoting green practices and supporting sustainable development,' he said. Hajiji said that Sabah is the first state in Malaysia to actively implement the Blue Economy concept under the SMJ development agenda. Through this initiative, the Sabah State Government sees the potential to implement Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in the Tawau waters as a source of renewable energy, he said. 'In addition, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), are also actively carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah. Well done!' he said. He also assured that in line with the focus on exploring, promoting, and supporting the Blue Economy,
