Sabah has gazetted nearly 216,000 hectares of new Totally Protected Areas, surpassing the 30% conservation target and boosting its green credentials.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has significantly expanded its Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) through the gazettement of almost 216,000 hectares of new zones.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said this involved commercial forest reserves and State Land.

The move increases the state’s total TPA coverage to 2.227 million hectares. This represents about 30.06% of Sabah’s total land area.

“This will not only allow the 30% TPA target to be achieved, but also elevate Sabah’s image as the state with the largest TPA in Malaysia,” he said.

His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at a Forestry Department event.

Hajiji stated that forests are vital as protectors of biodiversity and climate stabilisers. He added that expanding protected areas must be consistently implemented.

The Chief Minister said the move reflects effective strategies from the Sabah Forest Policy 2018. It strengthens the state’s overall conservation efforts.

Hajiji also revealed the Sabah Forestry Department collected RM161 million in revenue last year. Timber royalties contributed RM92 million, or 57%, of that total.

“This proves that the forestry sector remains relevant in Sabah,” he said.

He urged the department to ensure all forestry revenue collection is conducted transparently. He also called for intensified environmental programmes to raise public awareness on conservation.

 The Sun Malaysia