Latest news with #Masidi
Daily Express
14 hours ago
- 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
Daily Express
a day ago
- 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
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Masidi to Sabahans: If you want to be like S'wak, think like its people
Sabahans who admire Sarawak's development must first change their mindset and prioritise political stability, said Gagasan Rakyat Sabah deputy chairperson Masidi Manjun. Speaking at the party's annual general meeting in Kota Kinabalu yesterday, Masidi said while Sabahans often look up to their neighbours, emulating Sarawak's progress would require a mental and political shift.
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Don't let others decide: Masidi
Published on: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Published on: Sun, Jul 27, 2025 By: Jonathan Nicholas Text Size: Masidi (centre) with Gagasan Rakyat Youth and Women members at the assembly. Kota Kinabalu: Sabahans must be like Sarawakians and learn to think independently as well as stop relying on external influence if they want to progress. Gagasan Rakyat Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun told delegates attending the party's AGM at SICC, Saturday, that Sabahans must embrace not just physical freedom but mental independence as true sovereignty lies in the mindset, not just in votes. 'We're not just talking about land, borders, or who governs. Mental independence is even more important. We need to think for ourselves, based on our own Sabah identity. Not follow what outsiders tell us what is right. 'Sabah must no longer wait for outsiders to guide or dictate our future. We have to love this land enough to shape it ourselves with our own values, our own rhythm, our own voice,' he said. Quoting the Sabah anthem 'Sabah Tanah Airku, merdeka sepanjang masa', Masidi said the lyrics still hold meaning today and represent the vision of past Sabah leaders, a vision that must be revived and defended. 'Sabahans often compare the state with Sarawak, admiring its political stability, development pace and unity. But for Sabah to reach that level the people must first shift their mentality and attitudes. 'If we want to be like Sarawak, then we must think and act like Sarawakians. 'Prioritise political stability. Prioritise continuity. In Sabah, our biggest issue is frequent government changes,' he said. Masidi pointed out that while Sarawak is only on its sixth Premier, Sabah has already had 16 Chief Ministers which is evidence of how unstable the political climate has been over the decades. He supported proposals to limit the Chief Minister's term to two terms, a reform already implemented at the federal level, saying it would allow for leadership renewal and prevent over-concentration of power. The idea has been informally agreed to by the state Cabinet, but requires further legislative support. 'The Cabinet agrees in principle. But whether we have the two-thirds majority in the State Assembly to pass it, that's another matter. Still, we believe it's the right direction. 'Such frequent changes make it difficult to focus on long-term plans, solve core infrastructure issues, or implement consistent development. 'Every time we change governments, it takes time to start over. So how can we truly move forward when we're always going back to square one?' he said. He said Sabah has enough resources, talent, and potential but what's lacking is the willingness to work together without ego. He noted that political players in the state are too often focused on winning for themselves, instead of for the people. 'This is the problem. Everyone wants to win, but not everyone wants to get their hands dirty. If politics here remains a game of who must win and who must lose, we will never be united and Sabah will always be stuck in the same cycle.' Masidi described this mindset as toxic and said it is time for Sabah's political culture to mature, move away from narrow personal interests and focus on collective state building. Responding to questions about whether party components are ready to unite ahead of the coming state election, he said now is the time to stop petty quarrels and start thinking like a team. 'Politics shouldn't be about who's more powerful, it should be about who's more willing to work,' he said. * 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
The Sun
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Political stability crucial for Sabah to match Sarawak's development
KOTA KINABALU: Political stability and leadership continuity are vital for Sabah to achieve development levels comparable to Sarawak, said Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) deputy president Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. He highlighted that frequent changes in government have complicated efforts to resolve basic issues and sustain development. Since 1963, Sabah has had 16 chief ministers, while Sarawak has had only six premiers and chief ministers. Masidi stressed that Sabah must adopt Sarawak's mindset, where political stability and development efforts are prioritised. 'Compared to Sarawak, Sabah's problem is the frequently changing governments. This itself shows how politically unstable things are,' he told reporters after officiating the 2025 Gagasan Rakyat Women's, Youth and Beliawanis Wings Conferences. A key factor in maintaining stability, according to Masidi, is having a local party fully backed by the people, similar to Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS). He urged Sabahans to think and decide freely, emphasising that egoistic attitudes in politics remain a major obstacle. 'If we continue to hold on to the attitude of 'I must win, others must lose', the people of Sabah will never be united,' he warned. Masidi cautioned that Sabah's abundant resources would remain underutilised without unity and hard work from leaders and citizens. 'We need to consider the greater interest, to develop the state together,' he added. - Bernama
