KOTA KINABALU: The formation of a multi-agency steering committee has been suggested to drive coordinated action on the proposed Likas Green Belt and address environmental concerns affecting the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site.
This idea brought up by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai came following an engagement session with Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society led by its president Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa, which presented its vision for the Likas Green Belt.
This is an integrated initiative aimed at enhancing the Likas Bay area through sustainable development, environment conservation and tourism potential.
He described the concept as a strong opportunity to reposition the state capital into a well-managed and vibrant coastal zone that balances ecological preservation with urban development.
However, concerns were raised about current water quality, with the Sabah Wetlands Society pointing to drainage and runoff believed to be from surrounding developments flowing into the wetlands and coastal waters, said Bangkuai, who is entrusted to oversee the City Hall (DBKK).
The engagement highlighted that certain areas fall beyond the city hall’s jurisdiction and involved agencies such as the Drainage and Irrigation Department, particularly in addressing drainage-related issues, he said.
He stressed that such issues require urgent and coordinated attention, noting that the ecological health of the wetlands must be safeguarded as development progresses.
"This is not something that can be addressed by one agency alone. It involves multiple jurisdictions, including drainage systems, land use and development planning, which require coordination among relevant authorities," said Bangkuai.
He said without proper coordination, it becomes difficult to implement effective and lasting solutions, seeing how cross-ministerial collaboration works in rural tourism development.
"For example, through the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), the Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry works closely with other ministries such as rural development and agriculture to address overlapping issues," he said, stressing a similar approach is needed here.
Bangkuai, who is STB chairman, added that the steering committee would serve as a platform to bring together all stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, developers and non-governmental organisations, to align their roles, minimise overlaps and take timely action on issues affecting both development and conservation.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Ramsar Site, noting its international significance as one of only two Ramsar-listed wetlands located within a city in the world, with the other in Tokyo, Japan.
He said further discussions will be carried out to formalise the proposed committee and chart a practical way forward for both the Likas Green Belt initiative and the long-term management of the wetlands.
