KOTA KINABALU: 5 November 2026
Sabah has launched its Environmental Indicator Report 2025 to assess the state’s environmental health and improve future planning and monitoring.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the report covers five areas: land use, air, water quality, biodiversity and social dimensions.
It tracks environmental trends and challenges and measures compliance against established standards.
Speaking at the Sabah-level National Environment Day Celebration 2026 at a hotel, Jafry said the report will guide environmental monitoring, planning and strategic decision-making.
The first report was published in 2003. The latest edition was produced under the 12th Malaysia Plan, based on the Sabah Environmental Policy Action Plan and the Environmental Quality Monitoring Master Plan.
Jafry said data gaps remain.
“We need to develop environmental data systematically and strengthen coordination among agencies,” he said.
He said environmental protection is central to balancing sustainability with social and economic development.
He cited two key enforcement agencies: the Sabah Environmental Protection Department (EPD), which enforces the Environmental Protection Enactment 2002 under his ministry, and the federal Department of Environment (DOE), which enforces the Environmental Quality Act 1974 and monitors air, river, marine and groundwater quality.
The EPD also acts as secretariat for the Sabah Environmental Education Network (SEEN). Founded in 2005, the network has 44 members from government agencies, NGOs, universities and the private sector.
At the ceremony, SM Holy Trinity Tawau received the national Sustainable School Environmental Award (SLAAS) 2025/2026 for secondary schools in Melaka on Sept 21. Other Sabah schools were recognised at state level.
SLAAS, introduced in 2005, promotes conservation through five elements: management, co-curriculum, greening, curriculum and special elements.
PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) also presented a mock cheque for the School Environmental Friends Programme (SERASI) 2026/2027 session.
SERASI is Sabah’s flagship environmental education programme. Introduced in 2003, it is jointly run by EPD and DOE.
Jafry thanked PTTEP for its support since 2023 and said he hopes the partnership continues.
