Sabah allocates RM144mil for sustainability goals

KOTA KINABALU: A total RM144.44mil has been allocated under Sabah's 2024 budget to put sustainability goals in place, says state Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun.

He said the state aimed to achieve balance between developing various sectors and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"This will contribute to the state-level Long-Term Strategy for Low Carbon Development, supporting the government's efforts to address climate change and its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050," he said when tabling the RM5.701bil surplus budget at the state assembly here on Friday (Nov 24).

He said the green allocation for next year was for the implementation of various activities and initiatives aimed at achieving balanced development while factoring in sustainability elements.

He said the state government, through its Environment Protection Department, was also implementing various activities including integration of sustainable environmental protection into all development activities and has allocated RM7.81mil for this.

"The principles of sustainable development must be put into action in Sabah to support green growth initiatives aimed at enhancing economic resilience to climate change and calamities.

"Studies and action plans need to be implemented, including preparing the State Environmental Indicator Report, reviewing the Sabah Coastal Management Plan, preparing guidelines for mining and quarry rehabilitation and a slope stability study in Kundasang in Ranau," he said.

Masidi also said that in with the state's sustainability roadmap, priority was given to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as minimising the risks associated with disasters to ensure economic growth that is in harmony with the environment.

A total of RM126.79mil has been allocated to the Forestry Department and Sabah Biodiversity Centre to manage and develop the state's natural heritage.

"Next year, a Sabah Biotechnology Development Study will be completed in order to establish the Sabah Biotechnology Action Blueprint 2024-2034. This blueprint will serve as a guide for systematic and sustainable exploration of biological resources."

A Sabah Climate Change/Greenhouse Gas Unit has also been established under the state Forestry Department with an allocation of RM3mil, he added.

It would lay the groundwork for developing climate change policies and carbon trading, while assessing the feasibility of all carbon-related projects in the state.