SABAH is taking a proactive stance on climate change to establish the Sabah Climate Action Council (SCAC) to lead its own mitigation and adaptation efforts.
The council aims to address state-specific environmental challenges and ensure sustainable development in Sabah.
The move comes as the Federal Government prepares to table the Capture Carbon Utilisation and Storage bill in Parliament this November.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has expressed hope the Federal Government will take the state inputs and proposals as part of the national climate agenda.
He said the council would spearhead the state’s efforts to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation projects tailored to local conditions.
He stressed the importance of recognizing Sabah's contributions and perspectives in formulating national policies.
“Sabah has already taken proactive steps by amending the Sabah Land Ordinance to include legal provisions for carbon storage and completing a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory and vulnerability assessment,” said Hajiji in a statement delivered at the Economic Ministry - Sabah Government Engagement Session on the Implementation of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) initiative held the state administrative building, Menara Kinabalu, today.
The Chief Minister was represented by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan at the session.
“We hope that the federal government will consider Sabah’s inputs to ensure our state is not left behind in the national efforts against climate change.”
The Chief Minister also reiterated the Sabah government remains committed to playing its role in contributing to Malaysia’s overall climate goals, including the reduction of carbon emissions and the adoption of green technology initiatives.
Present at the engagement were Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd. Arifin Mohd. Arif, Sabah state Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, Ministry of Economy Secretary-General Datuk Nor Azmie Diron, Sabah Attorney-General Datuk Brenndon Keith Soh and Federal Secretary for Sabah Datuk Seri Rosli Isa. – September 27, 2024