Sabah Ready to Collaborate with Stakeholders in Combating Climate Change

24 February 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Government is prepared to partner with all stakeholders to tackle climate change and its associated challenges, announced Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor.

During his remarks at the Kinabalu Convention 2025: Food Security, Climate Change, and Investment held today at the Magellan Sutera Resort, he outlined the government's proactive measures, which include agroforestry programmes, incentives for organic farming, and community-based conservation initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience among local populations.

“However, these endeavors require sustained support not only from within Malaysia but also from international partners committed to promoting sustainable development,” he stated. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industry, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan.

Hajiji emphasised that addressing food insecurity and climate change goes beyond goodwill; it demands substantial financial resources and strategic collaborations. “We call upon the private sector to engage actively and complement the government’s efforts. We invite businesses, investors, and all like-minded organizations to explore green investments as a means to confront these pressing issues,” he urged.

A recent United Nations report indicates that nearly 733 million people worldwide face hunger daily, with escalating food prices, supply chain disruptions, and extreme weather events exacerbating the crisis. “For Malaysia, particularly Sabah, our dependence on imported staples such as rice and wheat renders us vulnerable to external shocks, making food security a critical concern,” he added.

Hajiji pointed out that tackling food security necessitates confronting its root cause: climate change. In Sabah, rising temperatures, unpredictable monsoon seasons, and intensified storms are ravaging crops, destroying livelihoods, and displacing families. Additionally, coastal regions are increasingly susceptible to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, jeopardizing agriculture and drinking water supplies.

He highlighted that ongoing deforestation is further eroding ecosystems crucial for carbon sequestration and biodiversity. “While these trends are alarming, they are not irreversible. Combating climate change is not only an environmental imperative but also a moral obligation to future generations.”

“By investing in renewable energy, promoting reforestation, and adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, we can mitigate the worst impacts of global warming and ensure long-term food availability,” he stated.

The Chief Minister concluded that the convention serves as a valuable platform to discuss, share knowledge, and commit to actionable strategies, including strengthening regional cooperation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and empowering local communities.