SEMPORNA: Mabul Island and Kapalai Island are now facing increasing pressure from congestion and rapid development.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said that both focus areas require a more prudent management approach.
He added the major development agenda in Semporna would not become a reality without strong grassroots leadership and a high commitment to sustainability principles.
“If not managed properly, we risk damaging the natural assets that are the State’s economic goldmine. Sustainability must be seen as an investment, not a burden,” he said in a statement after his working visit here.
Hajiji called on local leaders to play a more proactive role as the ‘main custodians’ of the ecosystem by helping to enforce regulations, combat unsustainable activities, drive community awareness campaigns and encourage youth involvement in the Blue Economy sector driven by innovation and modern technology.
As for marine parks here, he said the authorities had led in several important initiatives that could serve as benchmarks, particularly in the high-impact and sustainable marine tourism sector.
Hajiji added that every development in Semporna must be based on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles to ensure a balance between economic progress and long-term sustainability.
For example, he said Sipadan Island has successfully implemented a daily visitor quota system, which has now become a model for high-value and sustainable tourism management, ensuring a balance between environmental conservation and economic activities.
“At the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, we are witnessing harmonious synergy between tourism, biodiversity conservation and community participation.
"This is the foundation of the community-based tourism concept that we want to expand because it ensures that Semporna’s natural wealth is returned to its people,” he said.
Comments
Post a Comment