Sabah Leading the Way in MADANI Drive for Sustainable and Inclusive Development

2 November 2025

BEAUFORT: The organisation of two major Federal Government programmes in Sabah this week underscores the state’s pivotal role in advancing Malaysia’s sustainable development and well-being agenda under the MADANI Government.

The events, Jelajah Agrikomoditi MADANI @ Sabah organised by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) in Beaufort, and the Karnival Alam Kita (KAK) at the state level in Kimanis organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) reflect the Government’s commitment to strengthening economic growth while safeguarding the environment.

Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities, Datuk Chan Foong Hin, represented the Minister of Plantation and Commodities and Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, in officiating both events on Saturday.

Chan said that Sabah is not only a major contributor to Malaysia’s agri-commodity sector but also one of the nation’s most biodiverse regions, making the empowerment of rural communities and protection of the environment a shared national priority.

“These back-to-back events demonstrate the MADANI Government’s unwavering commitment to bolstering the agri-commodity sector while raising public awareness of environmental sustainability,” he said.

“Sabah is the lifeblood of Malaysia’s agri-commodity industry, not only as a leading producer but also as a pioneer in sustainable practices. At the same time, we want every Sabahan to play their part in protecting our planet through small actions that create a big impact.”

Despite the hot weather, the Jelajah Agrikomoditi MADANI @ Sabah in Beaufort saw strong participation from smallholders and local residents. The programme highlighted the vital role of commodities such as palm oil, rubber, timber, cocoa, and pepper in supporting both state and national economic development.

Chan revealed that Sabah currently has 199,000 hectares of oil palm plantations cultivated by over 31,000 registered smallholders, while Beaufort alone contributes 4,600 hectares managed by 1,500 smallholders.

During the event, Datuk Chan presented government assistance packages to five selected recipients as a symbol of the Government’s support for the welfare and resilience of oil palm smallholders.

“We want to ensure that every smallholder in Sabah has the opportunity to increase productivity and income through assistance schemes, technical training, and sustainable certification. This reaffirms the MADANI Government’s pledge to leave no one behind,” he added.

Also present at the Beaufort event were Datuk Rizalman Mokhtar, Political Secretary to the Minister of Plantation and Commodities; Datuk Hajah Siti Aminah Aching, Member of Parliament for Beaufort; and Datuk Awang Aslee Lakat, Chairman of the Giat MARA Beaufort Advisory Board.

In Kimanis, the Karnival Alam Kita (KAK), organised by NRES in collaboration with the Sabah State Government and the Department of Environment, received an overwhelming response from the local community.

The carnival featured workshops, seminars, community clean-ups, and environmental education activities designed to inspire a love for nature and encourage sustainable lifestyles.

“Protecting the environment is not solely the responsibility of the Government, it is a shared duty. Whether students, entrepreneurs, or rural communities, each of us can contribute by taking small steps such as reducing plastic use or planting trees. These actions can have a significant impact on Sabah’s and Malaysia’s future,” Chan said.

He added that the Government is developing new policy frameworks and engaging stakeholders nationwide to strengthen sustainability governance and biodiversity conservation.

“Sabah’s natural wealth, from Mount Kinabalu and Danum Valley to the coral ecosystems of Sipadan, ranks among the world’s greatest treasures. Yet we face pressing challenges such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.

“The Government is tackling these issues through legislative reforms, research collaborations, and community-based initiatives to ensure balanced and sustainable progress,” he said.

Also in attendance at the Kimanis event were Datuk Mohamad Alamin, Member of Parliament for Kimanis and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Datuk Rizalman Mokhtar.

Both programmes highlight the MADANI Government’s holistic approach in ensuring that economic growth and environmental stewardship advance hand in hand, paving the way towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Malaysians.