Liew (middle, back row) with retirees of the Sabah Parks displaying their certificates of appreciation. On her right is Lintar.
KOTA KINABALU: Four areas have been identified for the proposal to be gazetted as areas under the purview of the Board of Trustees of Sabah Parks (TTS), says Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
She named these areas as Teluk Darvel, Lahad Datu; Mengalum Island, Kota Kinabalu; Mantanani Waters, Kota Belud; and the waters of Tambisan Island, Lahad Datu.
Officiating the Sabah Parks Appreciation Night 2024 at a leading hotel here Friday, Liew said all these efforts are in line with Sabah’s commitment to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), particularly under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and the 30×30 target to protect 30 per cent of Malaysia’s biodiversity area by 2030.
At this juncture, the Minister stressed that TTS should also be prepared to receive the increasing number of tourists in 2026 in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY).
“Malaysia is targeting a total of 35.6 million visitors in 2026. All infrastructure and services in the existing TTS areas must be in top condition during the VMY campaign this year,” she said.
Liew also disclosed that this year, TTS has lined up 154 programmes in its Calendar of Events 2025, which includes 49 major events both nationally and internationally to continue the vision of Sabah Parks, that is, the People of Sabah Living in Harmony with Nature.
Among the programmes/events are the restoration of Karang Malaysia Book of Record for Taman Tun Mustapha, Kudat,
the Malaysia Geopark Network Conference, and Young Ranger Programme at state and national levels.
“The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) will continue to support and assist TTS towards the realisation of the agency’s aspirations,” she assured.
In retrospect, Liew noted that TTS had successfully organised a total of 79 programmes throughout the year 2024 as part of TTS Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
A significant event and initiatives included the Proclamation of Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark, UNESCO Triple Crown and the Launch of the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Sabah Parks by the Sabah Chief Minister; Enforcement of the use of a cashless financial system throughout the Park area starting on January 1, 2024; Establishment of Community Sustainability and Development Centre (PULESTARI) in July 2024; Mount Kinabalu High Altitude Climbing Training Centre and the Earthquake Gallery in Kinabalu Park which was inaugurated on October 17, 2024.
The Minister said TTS’s success stories, including 100pc implementation of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) initiative in organising four environmental education programs, and the Layang-Layang Hostel Development Project, have culminated in the agency winning the prestigious Chief Minister’s Special Award as a Global Champion in Conservation, Sustainability and Community Development during the Sabah Tourism Appreciation Night organised by the Sabah Tourism Board in December 2024.
“This achievement is a testament to Sabah Parks’ dedication to the cause of preserving natural resources, improving infrastructure, and empowering local communities in tandem with the strategic goals of the Sabah Government,” added Liew.
Meanwhile, she presented the Certificate of Appreciation and a retirement gift to 18 retirees of the Sabah Parks for the year 2024 while the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sabah Parks Peter Lintar and Director Dr Maklarin Lakim presented the Certificate of Appreciation to stakeholders and the Excellent Service Award and Director’s Special Award to deserving officers and staff members, respectively.
Also present were the KePKAS Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Sabapak Eco Sdn Bhd CEO Remysta Taylor, members of the TTS Board of Directors and stakeholders.
