Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor reaffirms state's commitment to carbon sink role via forest protection and biosphere reserves

Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has reaffirmed the state's commitment to maintaining its role as a major carbon sink. Speaking at the proclamation of the Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserve, he stated that Sabah contributes about 36% of Malaysia's total carbon sequestration through its tropical forests. The state is leveraging its Crocker Range and Kinabatangan Biosphere Reserves to protect forests and support climate goals. The biosphere reserves are designed to balance conservation with sustainable human activities. Hajiji noted that local communities benefit through eco-tourism, homestays, and community enterprises, creating economic incentives to protect forests. The Kinabatangan landscape covers roughly 413,866 hectares, while the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve spans 350,584 hectares and supports about one million people across 10 districts. These areas help store carbon long-term while providing livelihood opportunities.