Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christiana Liew (centre) with SEPA president Alexander Yee (third from right) at the presentation of the ECO Guardian Award.
KOTA KINABALU: The late SM Muthu, known as the "Green Man," was among four environmentalists honoured with the inaugural ECO Guardian Award by the Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA).
Muthu, who passed away on June 30 last year at the age of 75, was recognised for his unwavering dedication to environmental conservation and social justice, providing a voice that influenced policymakers.
His daughter Michelle Nainer received the posthumous award from Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew at SEPA's 42nd anniversary dinner themed "Sustaining Sabah" on Saturday (Feb 22).
Former SEPA president Wong Tack, known for leading the Green Surf movement against the Lahad Datu coal-fired power plant in 2013, was also honoured with the Eco Guardian Award.
Wong, originally from Bentong, became a national figure for his environmental work through the Himpunan Hijau (Green Assembly) movement, protesting against the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant.
Sandakan-born architect and environmental advocate Tressie Yap was another recipient, recognised for promoting green building practices and environmental sustainability through her work with the Upcycle Shack.
Yap's initiatives in waste management have helped transform waste into artisan crafts, empowering underprivileged communities and promoting the principles of a circular economy.
The fourth Eco Guardian Award was given to pioneer environmental magazine publisher Tsen Kim Poh, acknowledged for raising awareness of environmental issues through a magazine launched in 2007.
SEPA president Alexander Yee praised the awardees for their crucial roles in advocating for environmental conservation in Sabah.
"Their efforts, whether through activism or community engagement, have significantly contributed to preserving our state’s biodiversity and natural resources," he said.
Minister Liew emphasised SEPA's role as a watchdog for environmental sustainability in the state and acknowledged the challenges of balancing development with conservation.
"The government wants to see a balance or sustainability between development and environmental conservation. Focusing on this aspect is always a priority, though not an easy task. We all need to work together to ensure socio-economic progress while protecting the environment," she added.
