IN THE PAST, THE IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN SABAH WERE LIMITED AND TO A LARGE EXTENT PASSED UNNOTICED.

THE CORE SEQUENCE

However, at the turn of the 20th Century, Sabah has experienced rapid and dynamic socio-economic development in which the environmental consequences are more apparent. Although this process is almost unavoidable, the scale of the environmental impacts can be managed through the application of sound environmental management tools within the context of sustainable development. Important decisions as well as the application of technological advancement will be required to manage the impacts of urbanisation and industrialisation, and the increasing number of people.

THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION DEPARTMENT PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE

The Environment Protection Department plays a major role in ensuring that environmental dimension is adequately incorporated into the planning, implementation and control of development activities and the exploitation of natural resources. The department also performs a coordinating role in addressing sectoral environmental issues and problems in the state through a concerted and integrated strategic approach as well as through the fostering of a conducive network for interdepartmental cooperation and smart partnership.

THE ENVIRONMENT PTOTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT 1974

To manage the environment in Sabah, both state and federal environmental laws applied based on areas of jurisdiction as stipulated under the Environment Protection Enactment 2002 by the Environment Protection Department and the Environmental Quality Act 1974 by the Federal Department of Environment. Under the Environment Protection Enactment 2002, “environment” refers to the external physical surroundings and conditions influencing development and growth of people, animals or plants and includes social, living or working conditions; all natural and physical resources; ecosystems and their constituent parts including people and communities; and amenity, aesthetic and cultural values.

THE AREAS AND CATEGORIES OF ACTIVITIES THAT COME UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF EPD:

• • Agricultural development
    
  • Forestry
  • Development of commercial, industrial and housing estates
  • Drainage and irrigation
  • Land Reclamation
  • Fisheries and aquaculture
  • Power generation (construction of dams and hydro-electric power schemes)
  • Quarrying
  • Resort and recreational development

  • Water supply

  • Any other activities, which may damage or have an adverse impact on quality of environment or natural resources of the State.

THE AREAS AND CATEGORIES OF ACTIVITIES UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE FEDERAL DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT:

• • Industries (Chemical & Petrochemicals, Non-ferrous, Non-metallic, Iron & Steel, Shipyards, Pulp and Paper industry)
    
  • Infrastructure (Constructions of Hospitals, Expressways & National highways, New townships)
    
  • Construction of Ports
  • Petroleum
  • Power Generation and Transmission (steam generated, combined cycle and nuclear-fuelled power stations,
  • Construction of Railways
  • Construction of mass rapid transport projects
  • Waste Treatment and Disposal (Toxic & hazardous waste, Municipal solid waste & sewage)

THE MAIN CHALLENGES IN MANAGING THE ENVIRONMENT IN SABAH

• To strictly enforce and implement environmental policies, regulations, guidelines and action plans;
  
• To establish and enlarge the network of protected areas for maintenance of environmental quality and stability, and biodiversity conservation;
  
• To apply the various environmental planning tools which include regional planning and EIA in order to integrate environmental factors into development planning and implementation;
• To apply clean technologies and economic instruments to produce ‘green’ products and manage waste efficiently; and
• To continue to undertake environmental education programmes and activities to enhance environmental awareness among the general public on the importance of protection and conservation of the environment for quality living

There is a great need for all stakeholders to work together namely the public and private sectors, business community, non-governmental organisations, academic institutions, civil society and the public at large.