Assistant minister to the chief minister Abidin Madingkir said the law was designed to safeguard Sabah’s status as a “net carbon sink”, one of the few places in the world that absorbs more carbon than it emits.

“This is a strategic economic asset,” he was quoted by the Daily Express as saying.

“We must protect it through sound governance or risk losing our environmental advantage.”

Sabah accounts for 36% of Malaysia’s total carbon sequestration.

He added that while Sabah holds a natural edge in absorbing carbon, it is also one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in Malaysia.

The law aims to establish a comprehensive carbon governance framework, promote inclusive climate action, and ensure that the benefits of climate initiatives are distributed to all Sabahans.

Abidin said that realising the goals of the enactment would require investment, capacity-building, and cooperation at all levels.