Sabah Minister Proposes Committee for Wetland Protection
Why this is here: The proposed steering committee will bring together diverse stakeholders, including developers and NGOs, to address environmental concerns alongside urban development plans.
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai proposed a multi-agency steering committee to protect the Likas Green Belt and Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site. The proposal followed a meeting with the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, which presented a vision for sustainable development in the Likas Bay area. Bangkuai, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, noted concerns about water quality impacted by drainage from nearby developments.
The proposed committee aims to coordinate efforts between agencies like the Drainage and Irrigation Department and City Hall. Bangkuai emphasized the need for collaboration due to overlapping jurisdictions in land use and development planning. He cited successful cross-ministerial work in rural tourism as a model for this initiative.
The steering committee would include government agencies, developers, and NGOs. Bangkuai highlighted the international importance of the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, one of only two Ramsar-listed wetlands within a city globally. Further discussions will focus on formalizing the committee and developing a long-term management plan.