KOTA KINABALU: Coastal cities must balance economic growth with environmental
protection and strengthen their resilience to climate change, said Chief Minister Datuk
Hajiji Noor.
He said coastal cities are important centres of trade, tourism and economic activity, but
their proximity to the sea also exposes them to rising sea levels, extreme weather and
pollution.
“These challenges cross borders. Our seas, ecosystems and economies are connected,
and our responses must be connected too. We do not have to choose between
prosperity and protection.
“By planning wisely and working together, we can build cities that are safer, cleaner and
more resilient for generations to come,” he said at the opening of the Kota Kinabalu
International Mayors’ Dialogue (KKIMD) 2026 at the Sabah International Convention
Centre (SICC) here today.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai delivered his speech.
“Climate adaptation must also be part of everyday city management, from drainage,
sanitation and flood control to coastal protection and the restoration of mangroves and
rivers.
“Nature-based solutions can help protect our communities and the ecosystems that
sustain our Blue Economy,” he said, adding those priorities would require funding and
cooperation.
“Cities need better access to climate finance, public-private partnerships and other
sources of support for green infrastructure and adaptation projects. They must also learn
from one another. No city can meet these challenges alone,” he said.
Hajiji said the KKIMD 2026 that brought together participants from eight countries and
15 cities, including representatives from Indonesia, South Korea and the United States,
is significant for Sabah.He said Sabah is part of the Coral Triangle, one of the world's most biodiverse marine
regions.
Sabah's seas support livelihoods, food security, and various maritime industries, making
their protection essential for long-term economic sustainability, he added.
“The State Government's commitment to balancing conservation and economic
development is reflected in Tun Mustapha Park, where efforts are focused on protecting
marine ecosystems while supporting local communities,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the same principle guides Sabah's Blue Economy agenda, which
seeks to create sustainable opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, marine
biotechnology, maritime services, coastal and island tourism, marine renewable energy
and logistics.
“Our objective is to develop these opportunities responsibly, so that Sabah’s seas
continue to sustain both our economy and our communities,” he said.
Commending Kota Kinabalu City Hall for its Smart City agenda, Hajiji said technologies
such as artificial intelligence, digital twins, geospatial tools and urban data platforms
could improve flood warnings, land-use planning and public service delivery.
However, he stressed that digital transformation must remain people-centred,
transparent and accountable.
He said the proposed Kota Kinabalu Joint Statement could establish a shared
commitment towards cooperation in the Blue Economy, digital governance, urban
resilience and international partnerships, while the proposed KKIMD Network and
annual progress review could help translate these commitments into sustained action.
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