Liew (second left) presenting the SEPA Eco-Guardian Award to Tsen. Looking on are Yee (second right) and Committee Member Veronica Tan.
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew announced a contribution of RM30,000 from her Ministry in support of the programmes and activities of the Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA).
She made the announcement when officiating at SEPA’s 42nd Anniversary Celebration & Recognition Night with the theme “Sustaining Sabah”, at the Putera Theatre Ballroom here on Saturday night.
Congratulating the association on its 42 years of commitment as one of the voices safeguarding Sabah’s environment, Liew said SEPA’s leaders and members have worked tirelessly to ensure the natural heritage of Sabah is preserved for posterity.
“It is not an easy task. To remain steadfast in this mission for over four decades is a remarkable achievement. As a State Minister in charge of environment and conservation, I want SEPA to continue to play the role of an environmental watchdog.
“I know sometimes issues could raise friction with government policies or even private companies. We in government want to see a balance struck between development and environmental protection and conservation.
“In this regard, I urge its leaders and members to continue their commendable work in protecting and preserving the natural beauty and resources of Sabah,” she said.
The Minister concurred with SEPA President Alexander Yee that in order to remain relevant, it is crucial to forge a close working relationship with all government agencies, especially the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS), apart from taking up a more proactive role in engaging the local communities in eco-friendly economic activities.
“As we strengthen our call for environmental protection, it may be timely to advocate for reviving the partnership between KePKAS and SEPA, particularly through the now defunct Environmental Action Centre (EAC), to secure a sustainable and a better future for Sabah,” Liew said.
The Minister also presented the SEPA Eco-Guardian Award to four dedicated individuals in recognition of their invaluable contributions towards creating a more sustainable Sabah. They were the “Voice of the People”, the late S.M. Muthu (nicknamed the “Green Man” of Sabah), who was represented by his wife Mary Lau and daughter Michele Nainar, former Bentong MP and Past President Wong Tack (Environmental Activist & Leader), Founder of Upcycled Shack Tressie Yap (Architect, Environmental Advocate & Social Entrepreneur), and former journalist Tsen Kim Poh who started Sabah’s first environmental magazine in 2007.
Earlier, Yee, who took over the helm in 2021, said the association functions as a non-profit organisation relying solely on membership fees and small public donations. “In this regard, we are now faced with significant financial pressure to cover operational costs. This is one of the key reasons for our ongoing fund-raising efforts.”
He recalled that it was in 1983 that a group of environmentally conscious Sabahans came together to form SEPA. Dr Henry Chok became its Founder President. The objectives are to protect the environment, to promote environmental care and raise public awareness and responsibility for environmental preservation.
Paying tribute to founders, past presidents and members of SEPA, Yee said they have been steadfast in upholding these objectives until today. “Let us renew our dedication to sustaining Sabah and ensuring a brighter, greener future for all,” he added.
