KOTA KINABALU:  Sabah government will emphasise on obliging the sustainable principle in implementing social and economic development in the state. 

State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Sabah is fortunate to have Sabah Environment policy and Sabah Environment Action Plan that look into the sustainable approaches. 

“Next year, my ministry through the Sabah Protection Department will execute several research projects including a review of the Sabah coastal management plan. 

“My ministry is always working with the private sector in rehabilitating and conserving the environment,” he said in his winding up speech at the state assembly sitting here. 

Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, said in June this year, his Ministry had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sime Darby Plantation (Sabah) Sdn Bhd to ensure the latter abide by the rules and provide awareness programmes. 

He added through Sabah Parks, the state is in the process of gazetting Mantanani island Park in Kota Belud and Darvel Bay Park in Lahad Datu. 

Sabah Parks is also working on re-gazetting a former mine site at Mamut with an area size of 2,112 hectares; to protect more areas including Long Pasia highland in Sipitang and forest areas along Jalan Keningau-Kimanis, Papar at Crocker Range Park. 

“With the implementation of this effort and initiative, it directly reflects the serious commitment of the State Government in the conservation and preservation of nature.

“At the same time, the economic spillover will also be felt and enjoyed by the communities in the gazetted area.”