By Olivia Miwil
olivia@nst.com.my
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is in the process of institutionalising its climate change and carbon governance framework following the enactment of several laws last year.
Sabah Chief Conservator of Forests Datuk Frederick Kugan said the state is currently setting up a dedicated carbon unit and climate change unit.
“As you know, the law has been enacted, so we are now institutionalising the entity. That is to set up the carbon unit and climate change unit,” he said, adding that all future policies and projects would be deliberated by a council established under the framework.
Frederick was speaking to reporters after the launching of Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System Plus booklet at a hotel here.
Last year, Sabah has passed several carbon-related laws including Forest Enactment (Amendment) 2025 and Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025.
He added that the authorities is working closely with the Sabah Attorney-General’s Chambers to formalise the implementation of the law, noting that the process is expected to be put into effect this year.
The climate change council will be chaired by the State Secretary, with representatives from various sectors, while the Sabah Forestry Department is currently acts as the interim secretariat.
"The Sabah Forestry Department’s role would focus on land use, land-use change and forestry.
"Climate change governance involves broader sectors such as industry, waste management and agriculture, requiring administration at a higher level."
At the federal government, Sabah is also collaborating particularly on climate change matters, to ensure alignment between state and national frameworks.
On concerns over possible overlap with federal laws, Kugan said Sabah’s early enactment of its own legislation safeguards the state’s rights.
“What we have done at the state level is that we have already enacted the law. That safeguards our rights, in terms of Sabah having first say,” he said.
In June 2024, Sabah becomes the first state to have its carbon credits from the 83,381 hectares of tropical forest in Kuamut to be auctioned at Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX).
The initiative involves collaboration between the Sabah Forestry Department, Rakyat Berjaya Sdn Bhd, Yayasan Sabah, and Permian Malaysia, the project lead.
Comments
Post a Comment