Langom Research Station Reflects State Govt's Commitment To Biodiversity Conservation - Hajiji

LAHAD DATU, June 24 (Bernama) -- The opening of the Langom Control Centre and Research Station in the Danum Valley Conservation Area reflects the Sabah government’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and research, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the initiative by Yayasan Sabah, in collaboration with the State Forestry Department, was in line with efforts to create a conducive research environment while ensuring sustainable forest management.

“Therefore, I would like to reiterate the state government’s full support for such conservation and research efforts.

“I sincerely hope the Federal Government will consider providing greater support, particularly through continued funding under the National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources (NCTF) and in the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan,” he said when officiating the centre here today.

His speech text was read out by Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, who is also the State Public Works Minister.

Hajiji said the establishment of the centre, through an allocation of RM5.6 million from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability under the 12th Malaysia Plan, was in line with the thrust of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, particularly in environmental conservation and sustainable development.

He expressed confidence that with support from all parties, including the federal government, conservation areas such as the Danum Valley and the entire DaMaI Rainforest Landscape (comprising the Danum Valley, Maliau Basin and Imbak Canyon) would continue to be preserved as global biodiversity treasures and serve as premier centres for research, education and conservation in the country.

He also commended Yayasan Sabah for its outstanding achievements in managing and preserving the Danum Valley Conservation Area and other similar sites, which have played a key role in protecting forest reserves while elevating Sabah’s name on the international stage.

Hajiji said the research station, established in the Ulu Segama-Malua Forest Reserve under the Sabah Forestry Department Management Committee and involving Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), is strategically located between the Innoprise Face the Future Project area and the Danum Valley Learning Centre.

He said the Sabah government continued to implement development programmes based on green sustainability, with a focus on the responsible use and management of natural resources, environmental protection, social well-being, and long-term economic growth.

--BERNAMA