Sabah Pursues a Balanced Development Model

Sabah is moving forward carefully in terms of development versus protecting the environment. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said that development must be balanced. “Sabah has the dynamics and the resources: a young generation ready to help shape the economy; rich natural capital and biodiversity; energy reserves; strategic geographical location, and political stability.” Sabah has done well in protecting vast forest reserves, and the state is internationally recognised as an important leader in conservation in Southeast Asia, thus able to attract sustainable investment, the CM said. Sabah has achieved 30 per cent of its landmass put under Totally Protected Areas (TPA).

“We pursue growth with discipline; Conservation with value; Investment with responsibility; Energy transition with affordability; and sustainability with justice,” Hajiji said at the Powering Green Growth: Sabah and Malaysia in the Age of Sustainability World Green and Sustainability Summit (WGSS) on 25 May 2026 at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu.

“As Sabah evolves from a green contributor to a green economy leader, we select quality green investments that create real economic value, ensuring that local companies, local workers and local communities are part of the value chain,” Hajiji said. WGSS is an important platform for discussing sustainability issues which include emphasis on a development model that is fair, affordable and benefits the local communities, he added.