Botanist’s passing a huge loss for Sabah — Jeffrey

KOTA KINABALU: British botanist Datuk Anthony Lamb’s passing is a significant loss for Sabah.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, in expressing his condolence to the family and colleagues of the late Datuk Anthony described him as a distinguished botanist and also a dedicated advocate for Sabah’s agricultural and botanical heritage.

“Anthony Lamb’s work in the study and conservation of Sabah’s plant life has been invaluable. His dedication to botanical research and his efforts to protect our unique flora have contributed substantially to our agricultural sector and environmental preservation initiatives. Anthony was, at heart, a Sabahan, deeply connected to our land and committed to enhancing our understanding and stewardship of its natural resources,” said Jeffrey in a statement on Friday.

Anthony started working in Sabah, known then as the British North Borneo, as an Agriculture Officer in Tawau in August 1962.

He passed away on January 31, 2024, at age 86, and leaves behind wife Datin Anthea Phillipps-Lamb, a son, and a daughter. Jeffrey added that as we remember Anthony, we acknowledge the lasting impact of his work.

“His contributions have laid a strong foundation for future research and conservation in Sabah, and his legacy will continue to influence our approach to the natural world.

“In honour of his memory, we reaffirm our commitment to the values Anthony championed: the importance of scientific knowledge, the protection of our environment, and the advancement of our agricultural industry.

“Anthony Lamb will be remembered as a key figure in Sabah’s botanical community, and his loss is deeply felt. We extend our thoughts to all who knew him and were inspired by his passion and dedication,” he said.