Use AI for smarter land governance, Sabah CM tells surveyors

KOTA KINABALU: Surveyors must widen the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for more sustainable land governance, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He urged surveyors to use generative AI to help the Sabah government’s efforts to roll out and manage housing policies, address challenges such as affordable housing, and optimise land use and urban planning.

He added that the government and industry players must leverage AI-powered tools to monitor land use patterns, detect illegal activities, and assess environmental impacts in real-time.

“The integration of AI into various sectors, including land governance, presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges,” he said at the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) Sabah International Surveyors Congress 2024 at Magellan Sutera, here Thursday (Oct 17).

“My utmost concern is the progress and development of our state,” he said. “As we embrace AI and technological advancements, it is crucial to integrate sustainable practices into our land governance strategies.”

State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun delivered Hajiji’s speech.

Hajiji added that the state is committed to integrating AI and machine learning technologies to enhance service delivery efficiency to the rakyat.

“Sustainable land governance ensures that we manage our land resources responsibly, balancing economic development with environmental protection and social equity,” he said.

“This enables us to make informed decisions that protect our natural resources and promote sustainable development,” he said.

“Other than that, AI can support the conservation of biodiversity by analysing data from various sources, such as satellite imagery and sensor networks, to monitor wildlife habitats and track changes in ecosystems,” he said.

Hajiji said this information is vital for developing effective conservation strategies and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

By integrating AI into land governance practices, the government can ensure that development efforts are sustainable, benefiting both current and future generations,” he said.