Unified Approach needed for Likas Bay Development

19 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, has proposed the establishment of a multi-agency steering committee to drive coordinated action on the proposed Likas Green Belt and to address environmental concerns affecting the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site.

The proposal follows an engagement session with the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, led by its president, Datuk Zainie Abdul Aucasa, during which the organisation presented its vision for the Likas Green Belt—an integrated initiative aimed at enhancing the Likas Bay area through sustainable development, environmental conservation and tourism potential.

Joniston, who oversees Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), described the concept as a strong opportunity to reposition the state capital as a well-managed and vibrant coastal zone that balances ecological preservation with urban development.

However, concerns were raised regarding current water quality, with the society pointing to drainage and runoff, believed to originate from surrounding developments, flowing into the wetlands and adjacent coastal waters.

Officers from DBKK and the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) also attended the session, where it was noted that certain areas fall beyond the city hall’s jurisdiction and come under agencies such as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), particularly in relation to drainage issues.

Joniston, who also chairs STB, stressed that these matters require urgent and coordinated attention, noting that the ecological health of the wetlands must be safeguarded as development progresses.

“This is not something that can be addressed by a single agency. It involves multiple jurisdictions, including drainage systems, land use and development planning, all of which require coordination among the relevant authorities.

“Without proper coordination, it becomes difficult to implement effective and lasting solutions,” he said.

“We have seen how cross-ministerial collaboration works in rural tourism development. For instance, through STB, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment works closely with other ministries, such as Rural Development and Agriculture, to address overlapping issues,” he added, stressing that a similar approach is needed here.

Joniston said the proposed steering committee would serve as a platform to bring together all stakeholders—including government agencies, local authorities, developers and non-governmental organisations—to align their roles, minimise overlaps and take timely action on issues affecting both development and conservation.

He also underscored the importance of safeguarding the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site, noting its international significance as one of only two Ramsar-listed wetlands located within a city worldwide, the other being in Tokyo, Japan.

He added that further discussions would be held to formalise the proposed committee and to chart a practical way forward for both the Likas Green Belt initiative and the long-term management of the wetlands.