Leveraging Sustainability of Natural Resources to Attract Investments

Sustainably is a key factor in the journey towards attracting higher-value economic investment and opportunities. Sabah believes that while sustainability is a matter of environmental protection or regulatory compliance, it is increasingly influencing where investments go.

“Therefore, we are leveraging on our natural resources to attract investment, strengthen market access, and generate economic opportunities,” Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said at the opening of the Sustainable Action Conference 2026 (SAC 4.0) on 21st October 2026 at the Magellan Sutera Resort, Kota Kinabalu.

“Sabah’s vast natural wealth - forests, biodiversity, rivers, coastlines and marine ecosystems - supports many of its key industries, and it sustains livelihoods. For our agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture industries, it matters what and how we produce them responsibly. We balance conservation with economic pursuits. We develop our resources responsibly.”

The event was organised by Control Union Malaysia, with the support of the Netherlands Embassy in Malaysia. The conference also focusses on practical action, such as the Zero Waste to Landfill initiative, which encourages participating organisations to divert at least 75 per cent of their operational waste from landfill within 12 months. The event also pledges the continuation of the “From Children to Children” initiative and the continuation of the pledge of RM40,000 commitment to school-led sustainability projects in Sabah.

“Our Blue Economy initiatives promise opportunities in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, maritime activities and nature-based tourism,” Hajiji said. “And our energy agenda - through the Sabah Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040 - is progressing towards greater energy security, more reliable supply, and opportunities for renewable energy and new technologies. Sabah welcomes partnerships that can bring new investment, technologies and expertise, Hajiji said.

Success must not be measured only by the investments we attract, but also by the lasting value they create, the CM added.

Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, delivered the Chief Minister’s speech.