SEPA Celebrates 42 Years of Advocacy

Liew (4th left) with Tsen Kim Poh (left), Tressie Yap (2nd left), Wong Tack (3rd left), Alexander Yee Kok Tsen, President of SEPA (3rd right), SEPA Commitee Member Veronica Tan (2nd right) and Michele Nainar, daughter of the late S.M. Muthu (right).

23 February 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA) marked a significant milestone in its remarkable journey of advocacy, celebrating 42 years of unwavering commitment to safeguarding Sabah’s natural heritage, yesterday.

The anniversary serves not only as a reflection of past achievements but also as a call to action for future environmental stewardship.

The gala, titled ‘Sustaining Sabah,’ highlighting the vital role SEPA has played in promoting environmental protection, was graced by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew who addressed the gathering, and praised SEPA’s resilience and dedication.

“To remain steadfast in this mission for over four decades is a remarkable achievement, underscoring the unwavering commitment of those who have carried SEPA forward,” she remarked.

She said, “On occasions like these, as we celebrate a legacy of advocacy, it is important to take a step back and reflect on what sustainability means: “… to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

According to her, it is a reminder that sustainability is not about resisting change but to be able to shape it wisely. It is about making decisions today that will cascade towards a better future for Sabah.

“It is about ensuring that Sabah remains not simply as a place of beauty, but a place of opportunity, prosperity, and balance. For the present and those who will come after us.”

“As a state minister in charge of environment and conservation, I believe SEPA must continue to play the role of an environmental watchdog. I know sometimes issues could raise frictions with government policies or even private companies. We in government want to see a balance struck between development and conservation and preservation of the environment.”

She urged SEPA to take a more proactive role by engaging communities in eco-friendly economic activities, ensuring environmental considerations remain central. It is also vital to recognise past collaborations the Ministry and SEPA, particularly through the now defunct Environmental Action Centre.

“As we strengthen our call for environmental protection, it may be timely to advocate for reviving this partnership to secure a sustainable future for Sabah.”

In her concluding remarks, the Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to SEPA for its enduring dedication, expressing optimism that the fruits of their labour would continue to shape a prosperous and environmentally sound Sabah for years to come.