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Free Malaysia Today
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Sabah passes landmark climate change, carbon bill
The law passed by the state assembly was designed to safeguard Sabah's status as a 'net carbon sink'. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The Sabah state assembly has passed the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, a landmark law aimed at strengthening the state's position as a leader in environmental protection and climate resilience. Assistant minister to the chief minister Abidin Madingkir said the law was designed to safeguard Sabah's status as a 'net carbon sink', one of the few places in the world that absorbs more carbon than it emits. 'This is a strategic economic asset,' he was quoted by the Daily Express as saying. 'We must protect it through sound governance or risk losing our environmental advantage.' Sabah accounts for 36% of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration. He added that while Sabah holds a natural edge in absorbing carbon, it is also one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in Malaysia. The law aims to establish a comprehensive carbon governance framework, promote inclusive climate action, and ensure that the benefits of climate initiatives are distributed to all Sabahans. Abidin said that realising the goals of the enactment would require investment, capacity-building, and cooperation at all levels.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah tables climate bill to protect carbon sink status
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's status as a net carbon sink is a rare and valuable asset that must be protected, said state Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir. "Put simply, we absorb more carbon than we emit. We are among the few jurisdictions in the world with this status," he said when tabling the Sabah Climate and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 in the state assembly. Abidin said Sabah contributes about 36 per cent of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration, giving it a strategic edge in a carbon-constrained global economy. Sabah completed its first comprehensive Greenhouse Gas Inventory in 2024 and is already aligned with Malaysia's 2050 net zero target under the Paris Agreement. "Being a net sink is a strategic economic asset. An asset we must guard jealously," he said. He stressed the need to ensure this position benefits all Sabahans and contributes to global climate goals. The transition, he added, will require capacity, investment and partnerships, including with the federal government and international stakeholders. The bill, which was passed during the sitting, will establish the Sabah Climate Change Action Council, a Climate Registry, Inventory Centre, and the Sabah Climate Fund. The council will include the state secretary as chairman, key ministries, the Forestry Department, Lands and Surveys Department, and the Economic Planning Unit. It will also be tasked with preparing a carbon budget, which will be made available to the public.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah passes landmark Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025
Abidin KOTA KINABALU (July 8): The Sabah State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Sabah Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, marking a major milestone in the state's efforts to address climate change and regulate carbon-related activities. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, who presented the Bill, said Sabah is already experiencing the serious impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic weather, floods and droughts. 'These are no longer predictions of the future — they are unfolding before our very eyes,' said Abidin. In response to this reality, the Sabah Government has established the Sabah Climate Action Council (SCAC), which will serve as the state's top policy advisory body on climate issues. The new law reinforces SCAC's role and introduces a two-tier governance structure: the SCAC will function as the policy-making body, while a director will oversee carbon-related activities and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. All carbon rights are vested in the State Government, positioning the SCAC as the central authority for all carbon matters. 'This ensures that the benefits and revenues from carbon interests are returned to the people and the state,' said Abidin. The legislation adopts a top-down governance model, integrating climate priorities across all ministries and departments and aligning with national and international frameworks. Carbon assets will be leveraged to support economic growth while protecting employment and the welfare of vulnerable communities. Abidin emphasized that environmental matters fall under the residual powers of the state as per Article 77 of the Federal Constitution. He further noted that land, forests and water are under the State List (List II), providing legal justification for the enactment. The Bill also emphasizes protecting the rights and involvement of indigenous communities, particularly in carbon activities conducted on native customary land. Any such proposals must involve direct consultation and offer appropriate benefits to the affected communities. Beyond carbon activities, the Enactment mandates GHG emissions reporting by entities named under the law. This data is crucial for informed climate policy and planning, and it strengthens Sabah's reputation in climate governance. Abidin revealed that in 2024, Sabah completed its first Greenhouse Gas Inventory, showing that the state is a net carbon sink — absorbing more carbon than it emits. Sabah is estimated to contribute 36% of Malaysia's total carbon absorption, a status that offers strategic economic advantages amid the global push for carbon neutrality. 'This rare and valuable position must be safeguarded. If we become complacent, we risk losing this status and the associated benefits,' he warned. He also highlighted the state's climate vulnerabilities, including more frequent floods and coastal erosion, and stressed the need for urgent and strategic action. The Enactment includes 11 key parts: 1. Part I – Preliminary provisions including title and commencement; 2. Part II – Establishment of the SCAC as the highest state climate governance body; 3. Part III – Creation of the Sabah Climate Registry and Inventory Centre to manage data and carbon rights; 4. Part IV – Establishment of the Sabah Climate Fund for climate projects and administrative support; 5. Part V – Procedures for community consultation and benefit-sharing for carbon projects on customary land; 6. Part VI – Requirements and regulations for recognising and registering carbon activities; 7. Part VII – Regulations on carbon credits, levies and royalties; 8. Part VIII – Mandatory GHG emissions reporting and preparation of the state carbon budget; 9. Part IX – Enforcement provisions; 10. Part X – General provisions.
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah passes climate change Bill after blowing past Paris Agreement targets
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has passed the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, following official confirmation that the state absorbs more carbon than it emits, placing it ahead of global expectations set under the Paris Agreement. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir, who tabled the Bill in the State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday (July 8), cited findings from Sabah's first Greenhouse Gas Inventory, conducted last year, which identified the state as a net carbon sink, a rare position globally. 'In simple terms, we absorb more carbon than we emit. Sabah has already gone beyond what the world is asking for under the Paris Agreement. We have done our part, today, for Malaysia's 2050 net-zero commitment,' he said. The data showed that Sabah contributes approximately 36% of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration, underscoring its environmental value and strategic importance in the low-carbon global economy. Madingkir described this status as a 'strategic economic asset' in a carbon-constrained world, and one that must be 'guarded jealously'. 'This is not something we can take lightly. If we are not careful, we could quickly lose this position and become a carbon polluter like many others, squandering the advantage we currently hold,' he said. Despite this rare advantage, he reminded the assembly that Sabah remains one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in Malaysia, grappling with floods, coastal erosion and threats to rural livelihoods. The newly passed Bill aims to address both challenges, turning vulnerability into opportunity. The Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 establishes a legal framework for regulating carbon-related activities, protecting the state's carbon assets and building institutional climate resilience. Key provisions include establishing the Sabah Climate Action Council (SCAC) as the state's lead policy advisory body; creating a Climate Fund and Inventory Centre for tracking greenhouse gas emissions; mandating emissions reporting by listed entities; affirming that carbon rights belong to the state government; and ensuring the participation of Indigenous communities, especially for projects on customary land. The Bill also provides a mechanism for managing carbon credit generation, benefit-sharing and enforcement, supported by a two-tier governance structure with oversight across state agencies. Madingkir explained that environmental matters fall under the state's legislative authority, as they are not included in the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution. Land, water and forests, key to carbon governance, fall under List II (State List), strengthening Sabah's legislative right to act, he added. He stressed that while Sabah already leads in environmental performance, maintaining this lead will require capacity-building, funding and strategic partnerships, especially with the Federal Government and global stakeholders. 'Our goal is to ensure that the benefits of this unique position reach the lives of Sabahans, while contributing meaningfully to global climate progress,' he said. The Enactment passed with strong support from lawmakers across the aisle, reflecting political will to position Sabah at the forefront of green policy and carbon economy.
Daily Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah passes landmark climate change and carbon bill
Published on: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 08, 2025 By: Larry Ralon Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Assembly has passed the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, positioning Sabah as a national leader in environmental protection and climate resilience. Assistant Minister Datuk Abidin Madingkir said the Bill safeguards Sabah's status as a 'net carbon sink' – one of the few places in the world that absorbs more carbon than it emits. Sabah currently accounts for 36pc of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration. He called this a 'strategic economic asset' that must be protected through sound governance to avoid losing its environmental advantage, while noting that Sabah is also one of Malaysia's most climate-vulnerable regions. The new law will create a comprehensive carbon governance framework, promote inclusive climate action, and ensure that climate benefits reach all Sabahans. Abidin said success will require investment, capacity-building, and collaboration across all levels, with a focus on using Sabah's natural advantage wisely. * Read full report in tomorrow's print paper or log in or sign up for e-paper and premium online news access. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
