Sabah to regulate Semporna tourism activities for marine biodiversity

Borneo Post

24-07-2025

SEMPORNA (July 24): The State Government will ensure that tourism activities in Semporna are well-regulated and do not disrupt marine biodiversity but providing benefits and advantages to the people of Sabah.
This is in line with the focus on exploring, promoting and supporting the Blue Economy, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor.
However, he said conservation efforts needed strong support from all quarters, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, the local community, and the people of Sabah in general.
'I urge that we continue to protect Sabah's natural wealth so that the current and future
generations will continue to experience and enjoy the benefits and advantages of these natural resources,' he said during the World Biodiversity Day celebrations at the Dewan Arena Belia here today.
The Chief Minister's speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
Hajiji added that the State Government, on its part, would continue to implement development programmes that emphasise green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources, as well as ensuring environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth for future generations.
He also said the approval of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent State Assembly sitting had positioned Sabah as the nation's leader in environmental conservation and resilience against climate change.
He said the implementation of the Enactment would ensure the involvement of Sabah's native community and their rights are protected through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure.
'I wish to emphasise that the Sabah State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the state's natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem,' he said.
He said the celebration's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development', is meaningful and underscored the crucial roles both elements play in preserving the health of the planet, enhancing human well-being and ensuring a sustainable future.
'This theme is also timely and serves as a reminder to humanity, especially the people of Sabah, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities without considering the sustainability of biodiversity, the well-being of animals, plants and ecosystems that bring benefits to our lives,' he said.
'By ensuring that nature is protected and valued, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also secure economic and social well-being for current and future generations.
'This concept aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2034. At the same time, today's celebration and theme also reflect the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which is fundamentally anchored in promoting green practices and supporting sustainable development,' he said.
Hajiji said that Sabah is the first state in Malaysia to actively implement the Blue Economy concept under the SMJ development agenda.
Through this initiative, the Sabah State Government sees the potential to implement Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in the Tawau waters as a source of renewable energy, he said.
'In addition, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), are also actively carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah. Well done!' he said.
He also assured that in line with the focus on exploring, promoting, and supporting the Blue Economy,