5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah to regulate Semporna tourism for marine biodiversity
TAWAU: The Sabah government will ensure tourism activities in Semporna are regulated, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
He added that the assurance is to ensure the industry does not disrupt marine biodiversity but provides benefits and advantages to the people of Sabah.
Conservation efforts, however, needed strong support from all quarters, including government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, the local community, and the people of Sabah in general, he said.
"I urge that we continue to protect Sabah's natural wealth so that current and future generations will continue to experience and enjoy the benefits and advantages of these natural resources.
"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," he said during the World Biodiversity Day celebrations at the Dewan Arena Belia today.
His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
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.
He 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.
"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.
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."
