TAWAU, 12 September 2025 — Representative from the Canadian High Commission, Mr. Robert Bissett, accompanied by Advocacy Officer Dayalan S. Rajoo, paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Tawau Municipal Council and met with YB Justin Wong, the State Assemblyman for Sri Tanjong, as part of a working visit to strengthen collaboration on environmental and community development initiatives in Sabah’s east coast.
During the visit, Mr. Bissett also travelled to Semporna and Pulau Larapan to observe an environmental conservation project led by Reef Check Malaysia, one of the recipients of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI). The project, conducted in partnership with the local NGO SERATA, focuses on empowering women in Pulau Mabul and Pulau Selakan to take up leadership roles in marine and environmental conservation.
In addition to the courtesy meetings, Mr. Bissett also held a networking session with local NGOs in Tawau, where he exchanged ideas and explored potential areas of collaboration and support from the Government of Canada for ongoing and future community-based initiatives.
The delegation also visited Tawau Hills Park, where they learned about ongoing efforts to protect local biodiversity and promote sustainable eco-tourism in the region.
The visit underscores Canada’s continued commitment to environmental sustainability, gender empowerment, and local community development through international cooperation and grassroots partnerships.
