Environmental preservation: Sabah open to views, suggestions from foreign NGOs

KOTA KINABALU: The state government is always open to views and suggestions from foreign nongovernmental organisations to improve research activities on preserving the natural environment in the country, especially Sabah.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said by taking this approach, it would help to further improve the existing research policy, as well as help to enhance economic development in the state.

“Through this conservation effort, we can sit together to discuss and help each other in efforts to preserve the natural environment,” he said at a dinner and opening of the 8th International Seminar on Serpentine Ecology here Monday.

The government, he said, was on the right track in its efforts to preserve the natural environment for the benefit of future generations.

On the seminar, involving the participation of 29 countries, Masidi said it was held for the first time in Asia as part of an effort for the preservation of the flora and fauna.

A total of 60 working papers will be presented during the five- day seminar.

At the dinner, Masidi also launched a book, ‘The Ultramafic Flora of Sabah, An Introduction - The Plant Diversity on Ultramafic Soils’, sold for RM180 per copy. — Bernama