Sabah has launched another conservation and biodiversity research initiative with the opening of the Langom Control Centre and Research Station at the Danum Valley Conservation Area.
The initiative, driven by Yayasan Sabah in collaboration with the State Forestry Department, highlights the state’s continued push to safeguard its natural heritage.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor expressed hope for increased financial backing from the federal government through the National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources (NCTF) and the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan.
His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister III and Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
He said the support would help preserve Danum Valley and DaMaI (Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon) rainforest landscape as global biodiversity treasure troves and a leading national hub for research, education and conservation.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability has under the 12th Malaysia Plan allocated RM5.6 million set up the centre.
“This initiative reflects the State Government’s commitment to balancing economic development with the long-term conservation of natural resources for the benefit of the people and future generations,” he said.
The new research station, located in the Ulu Segama Malua Forest Reserve, falls under the Sabah Forestry Department’s Management Committee and involves Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
It sits in a strategic zone between the Netherlands-led Face the Future project site (INFAPRO) and the Danum Valley Studies Centre.
He also welcomed the efforts of the Sabah Nature Club, under Yayasan Sabah Group, which has adopted several schools in Lahad Datu to help students appreciate environmental conservation from an early age.
