Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman launched the Sabah State Policy on the Environment today, making Sabah the first state to have initiated the formulation of the policy.

The launching ceremony which was held at the Sabah State Assembly building here today, was attended by state tourism, culture and environment minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

In a press statement issued by the ministry's environmental protection department, Musa said the process of getting views and opinions from all stakeholders began as early as 2011, and the policy formulation process was completed in 2014.

He said the policy was an important landmark for the state to manage the environment and its natural resources.

"The state's robust economic developments have depended on the utilisation of the natural resources which have brought immense benefits to society.

"Thus, the state government has continuosly endeavoured to harmonise the escalating challenges in the management of the environment and natural resources," he added.

The Sabah State Policy on the Environment outlines strategies and action plans based on five thematic aspects of the environment, namely land, air, water, biodiversity and social dimension.

The state government via the ministry has just completed 83 strategies and 195 action plans based on thematic aspects to ensure effective implementation of the policy.

The action plans for the policy will be implemented for 15 years, beginning next year. -- Bernama