GAGA 2026 recognises 26 environmental sustainability champions

KUCHING: The Green Excellence and Geopark Awards (GAGA) 2026 recognised 26 entities and individuals for their contributions to environmental conservation, sustainable geopark management, responsible tourism and community development.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian officiated at the GAGA 2026 here on Tuesday night (Oct. 6).

The international platform recognised innovative initiatives that align economic progress with environmental sustainability, reflecting Malaysia’s commitment to climate action, sustainable development and a greener future.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) received recognition in several categories, including the Environmental Education and Awareness Award, Green Technology Innovation Award, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Award.

MBKS also received the Community Distribution Pioneer Award, Smart Green Infrastructure Innovation Award and Sustainable Urban Transformation Leadership Award through its mayor, Datuk Wee Hong Seng.

Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) also secured several recognitions, including the Outstanding Smart City Innovation Leadership and Digital Transformation Award through Datuk Hilmy Othman.

At the same time, DBKU received the Circular Economy Pioneer Award, Nature-Based Solutions Award, Sustainable City Innovation Award, and Environmental Policy and Governance Award.

Meanwhile, Miri City Council received two awards, namely the Zero Waste Community Initiative Award and Best Green Building Award.

The Green School Excellence and Circular Economy Education Award was presented to SMK Lutong, while Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad’s (PAAB) Chairman, Datuk Seri Ir Jaseni Maidinsa, received the Sustainability Transformation Leadership Award.

Datuk Ir Rajendran P. Anthony from Penang Island City Council received the Local Authority Sustainability Leadership Award.

Sarawak Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian presented the Local Government Sustainability Leadership award to Penang Mayor, Datuk Ir Rajendran P. Anthony at the Green & Geopark Excellence Award 2026 in Kuching yesterday.

The council also received the Green Organisation of the Year Award and Green Building Certification Excellence Award.

Meanwhile, Bukit Bendera Corporation’s Datuk Cheok Lay Leng received the Sustainable Destination and Biosphere Conservation Excellence Award.

Global Geoparks Network Executive Board Member and Langkawi Port’s Deputy General Manager, Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari received the Geopark Network Leadership Excellence and International Collaboration Award.

Sarawak Forest Department’s Director, Datuk Hamden Mohammad received the Sustainable Forest Conservation Award.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) was recognised with the Longest-Running Sustainable Event Excellence Award for the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

The Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) received the Aspirational Sustainable Infrastructure Award, while Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre was named Best Green Tourism Attraction.

Finally, Tropical Charters received the ESG-Compliant Tour Operator Award, while TUI BLUE The Haven Ipoh received the Most Charming Geopark Accommodation Award.

Sarawak Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian presented the Longest Sustainable Event Excellence award to Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Dr Sharzede Datuk Salleh Askor at the Green & Geopark Excellence Award 2026 in Kuching yesterday.