Minister Arthur Kurup highlights stable federal-state ties as key to preserving natural heritage and advancing conservation efforts through strategic funding and policy alignment.

KOTA KINABALU: Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup has emphasised that stable cooperation between the Federal Government and Sabah is the cornerstone for preserving natural heritage for future generations.

Arthur stated today that this commitment is reflected in continuous efforts to strengthen strategic synergy between his ministry and the Sabah state government in advancing environmental sustainability and natural resource management.

He said the matter was discussed during his courtesy call on Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at Menara Kinabalu.

The Federal Government also recognised Sabah’s conservation efforts by disbursing Ecological Fiscal Transfer funds amounting to RM22.748 million for the first phase of 2026.

This follows a 2025 allocation of RM35.69 million, bringing Sabah’s total received since 2019 to RM126.357 million for biodiversity conservation projects.

The courtesy call also focused on matters under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 framework, including amendments to the Environmental Quality Act 1974 involving authority over scheduled waste in Sabah’s land and waters.

Arthur added that the process of returning Federal land lots to the State Government is now in its final phase for Cabinet approval.

 The Sun Malaysia