Kota kinabalu: Sabah has expanded its Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) through the gazettement of almost 216,000 hectares of new areas, involving commercial forest reserves and State Land, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He stated that this expansion would increase the state's TPA to 2.227 million hectares, or about 30.06 percent of the state's total land area.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Chief Minister's speech was delivered by the Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, during the Forestry Department's Excellent Service Awards ceremony at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Hajiji emphasized the importance of forests as protectors of biodiversity, climate stabilizers, and livelihood sources for the people. He underscored the need for consistent efforts to expand totally protected areas.

The Chief Minister noted that the move reflects the effectiveness of strategies outlined in the Sabah Forest Policy 2018, aimed at strengthening the state's conservation efforts. Additionally, Hajiji highlighted that the Sabah Forestry Department recorded revenue collection of RM161 million last year, with RM92 million or 57 percent derived from timber royalties. He stressed the importance of transparent revenue collection through the forestry sector.

Hajiji also called on the Forestry Department to enhance the implementation of environment-related programs and activities to boost awareness, knowledge, and expertise among the public about the importance of forest conservation.