By Normimie Diun

KOTA KINABALU: Sustainability should no longer be seen merely as a slogan or aspiration, but must instead be translated into clear policy implementation, effective management, and tangible outcomes, particularly in Sabah’s green energy sector.

Technical Adviser (Energy) to the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Dr James Lim, said that the state’s sustainable development approach must be grounded in real action rather than conceptual discussion.
He said this when presenting his speaker’s notes at Plenary Session 2 of the World Green & Sustainability Summit 2026 themed Advancing Planet, People, Prosperity and Partnership held at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort on Monday.

According to him, Sabah faces real development needs driven by energy demand, resource strengths, and the pressure for responsible growth.

“Sabah has natural assets, a strategic location and the opportunity to become a model of sustainable growth, but this can only be achieved if policy, investment, infrastructure and implementation are effectively connected,” he said.

Dr James also stressed that in energy management and system development, clarity of information is a fundamental principle that cannot be ignored.

“What cannot be seen cannot be managed,” he said, adding that progress in green energy requires a clear understanding of the current situation, constraints, load growth, system weaknesses and available opportunities.

He, who is also the Group Managing Director of Kumpulan Yayasan Bumiputra Sabah, said sustainability efforts must begin with clarity and sincerity in execution, not merely good intentions.

According to him, Sabah must focus on three key priorities in its energy and sustainability agenda.

First is a practical energy transition that takes into account reliability, affordability and implementation capacity to avoid burdening industry and the people.

Second is trusted collaboration involving the public, private, technical, investor and community sectors with clear coordination and measurable outcomes.

Third is optimising Sabah’s strengths by developing strategies based on local resources including energy, biodiversity, industrial potential and coastal assets without blindly copying external models.

“Sustainability will only succeed when it is built on Sabah’s real strengths and translated into economic value,” he said.

He added that Sabah is currently moving from merely protecting resources to developing industries based on those resources, including renewable energy, the blue economy, ecotourism and carbon markets.

According to him, a stronger energy system will enhance investor confidence and improve project delivery in the state.

Dr James further stressed that sustainability must be practical and directly benefit the people, not just appear good at policy or international levels.

“A green transition that is too costly for the people is not sustainable. Policies that sacrifice the present for the future must be carefully reviewed,” he said.

He added that the real test of sustainability is how far it can be translated into real projects, economic outcomes and long-term benefits for the people of Sabah.

“Sabah needs clear priorities, disciplined implementation, credible partnerships and practical delivery, not more promises,” he said.