By Olivia Miwil - August 28, 2021 @ 5:51pm
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah government has set up a think tank to help address environmental issues.
Dubbed as the Borneo Institute, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said it would play a crucial role in setting the right mindset through quality research.
"It is aimed at influencing policy change towards a more sustainable Sabah and Borneo.
"We must now make a conscious policy decision to move away from reliance on fossil fuels and into renewable energy in a significant way.
"We should also have a strategic plan to develop our green credentials and green technology in Sabah," he said during the virtual opening of the Borneo Forum's "The clear and present danger: Threats and opportunities in Borneo Environment."
Acknowledging that fiscal funding would be important in the creation of green economy, Jeffrey said the government's commitment and determination to realise such aspirations were crucial.
"When governments announced that it would tackle the climate crisis, they allocated money to developing new technologies. Sabah can do this too, and so does Borneo.
"What the governments did was to rally the businesses, academia and the people, ensure that funding is available to do research and development, buy technology and bring in expertise, and do the job and spurred universities and companies to innovate."
Jeffrey also said Sabah would look into encouraging more sustainable development projects while improving project procurement, increasing energy efficiency, future-proofing structures, streamlining regulations and empowering consumers.
"Our infrastructure must be certified as sustainable, our buildings must be assessed and certified green.
"We must put in place policies and programmes that are climate-resilient, protect our coastlines, seas and the beautiful Coral Triangle from sea level rises, and pressing issues like fish-bombing and plastic pollution."
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