LAHAD DATU: Sustainability and conservation are an integrated part of POIC Sabah’s development approach even as it takes on wider responsibility on growth in the east coast of the state.
“Corporately, philosophy attitude has always been guides by the principle of ESG (Environment, Social & Governance that the United Nations adopted in 2004, and we continue to uphold that since,” said Clarence Miwil, the Group Senior Port Manager, POIC Sabah Logistics Sdn Bhd.
The company operates a container terminal, and a terminal each for liquid and dry bulk cargo at the POIC Lahad Datu industrial park, here.
He was addressing participants at a conservation awareness programme held at the POIC container terminal here last Wednesday.
The programme was conducted by the Lahad Datu Wildlife Department, which has identified a myriad of wildlife in the 4,725 – plus acres of coastal land alienated for development under the POIC Sabah umbrella. The programme was a continuing effort by POIC Sabah and wildlife authorities to mitigate human development-wildlife conflict.
‘Aside from reiterating the importance of wildlife protection, we also want our investors and other stakeholders to share our commitment towards conservation and sustainability,” said Miwil.
Hairulnizan Hasnan @ Maigol, Head Officer of the Lahad Datu Wildlife Department, said the main purpose of the programme was to raise greater awareness within the community about the shared responsibility of conserving wildlife.
The programme featured insightful presentations from three invited speakers who shared their expertise in wildlife conservation. Victor Joseph from Orangutan Appeal UK, Esther Lonnie from WWF Malaysia and Silvester Wong from the Lahad Datu Wildlife Department.
The POIC Lahad Datu industrial park is a state government initiative to push for industrialisation of the oil palm industry which is concentrated in the east coast districts.
Since inception in 2005, the park has attracted about RM13.6 billion in investment value.
A series of strategic initiatives are underway to capitalize on Lahad Datu’s central location within the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). These include the development of a future Maritime Academy and the establishment of a Free Zone to boost regional trade and connectivity. Plans are also in motion to create a Halal Hub, aimed at harnessing the region’s vast natural resources and catering to its substantial Muslim population.
