Sabah’s carbon-negative status is largely attributed to its extensive natural ecosystems, particularly its forests. These ecosystems act as powerful carbon sinks, removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than is generated through human activities such as industry, transport and energy use.
KOTA KINABALU — Sabah has been officially confirmed as a carbon-negative state, marking a significant development in Malaysia’s climate landscape and placing the state at the forefront of environmental stewardship.
The designation comes from findings in Sabah’s first-ever Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory Report 2024, a comprehensive assessment that shows the state absorbs more carbon than it emits. The report reflects a detailed accounting of emissions across multiple sectors and establishes a baseline for future climate action.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Ceasar Mandela Malakun, described the finding as a turning point. Responding to a question from Arthur Joseph Kurup, he said the report offers Sabah its first clear, data-driven understanding of its emissions profile.
“The findings confirm that Sabah absorbs more carbon than it emits, placing the state in a carbon-negative position and contributing significantly to the national climate agenda,” he said.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
Forests at the Center of Carbon Balance
Sabah’s carbon-negative status is largely attributed to its extensive natural ecosystems, particularly its forests. These ecosystems act as carbon sinks, removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than is produced by human activities such as transportation, industry, and energy use.
The result positions Sabah as a rare example of a region where environmental preservation directly translates into measurable climate benefits. It also underscores the role of conservation in addressing global emissions challenges.
Building the Framework for Climate Governance
The GHG inventory is one of two key studies conducted by the Sabah Climate Change Action Council (SCAC) since its establishment in 2022. The other, a climate vulnerability assessment, complements the emissions data by identifying risks and areas for adaptation.
Together, these studies have informed policy decisions and strengthened the state’s climate governance framework. One major outcome is the passage of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, approved in July last year. The law is designed to improve oversight and coordination of climate-related initiatives.
To support enforcement, Sabah plans to establish the Sabah Climate Registration and Inventory Centre (SaCRIC). The center will regulate carbon-related activities and ensure compliance with the new legal framework.
Efforts are also underway to enhance data collection and reporting systems, aligning Sabah’s practices with international standards under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement.
SCAC continues to coordinate the state’s climate response, working with the federal government on mitigation and adaptation strategies. Improving the accuracy of local data remains a priority, with the goal of producing more refined GHG inventories in the future.
Economic Opportunities in a Low-Carbon Future
Beyond environmental significance, Sabah’s carbon-negative status opens the door to participation in the emerging low-carbon economy. By identifying suitable carbon projects, the state aims to support sustainable development while potentially attracting climate-related investments.
The development presents an opportunity for Sabah to take a leading role in forest conservation and carbon management, areas that are increasingly tied to global financing mechanisms and environmental markets.
The confirmation of Sabah’s carbon-negative status places it in a strong position to address climate change while advancing economic and environmental priorities. It signals a shift toward data-driven governance and highlights the potential for regions rich in natural resources to lead in global climate efforts.
As the state moves forward, the challenge will be to sustain this balance—protecting its ecosystems while leveraging new opportunities in carbon management and climate finance.
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