KUCHING: Sarawak is committed to raising public awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and preservation.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, stated that to achieve comprehensive environmental preservation and conservation, economic activities and development programmes must be balanced with environmental factors.
According to him, this aligns with the concept of sustainable development, which means developing in a way that meets the current generation’s needs without compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generations.
“Therefore, compliance with environmental laws and environmental management terms and conditions needs to be enhanced,” he said in a text of speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the state-level National Environment Day 2023 event held at Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Atrium on Wednesday.
He stressed that collaboration among relevant agencies, such as the Natural Resources and Environmental Board of Sarawak (NREB) and the Department of Environment, should be strengthened to ensure Sarawak’s transformation agenda is on the right track, and the environment is well protected, preserved and maintained.
Abang Johari also emphasised the importance of a strategic policy, strict law enforcement and fostering environmental awareness and oversight at all levels of society.
Close cooperation, high commitment and collective awareness of all stakeholders are essential to prevent environmental pollution and effectively enforce the law, he said.
The Sarawak-level celebration of the National Environment Day 2023, with the theme “Environment, Our Shared Responsibility,” was organised jointly by NREB, DOE, Trienekens Sdn. Bhd, ZHA Environmental Sdn Bhd, and SAR-ALAM Indah Sdn Bhd.
The main objective of the celebration is to promote environmental education and awareness widely and provide a platform for Malaysians to appreciate the environment, while recognising those who have made significant contributions to environmental conservation and preservation.
The event also included the presentation of awards for the 5R Sculpture Design competition at the Secondary School level, the E-Waste Collection competition among schools, the issuance of certificates to those involved in the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment campaign for 2022 and 2023, and the presentation of contributions to the School Nature Lovers Club (PALS) programme by NREB.
In addition, three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were exchanged between Trienekens Sdn. Bhd., Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, and NREB Sarawak, NREB and ZHA Environmental Sdn Bhd, and NREB and Sar-Alam Indah Sdn Bhd.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment, Datuk Len Talif Salleh, Deputy Minister forf Energy and Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, Deputy State Secretary (Administration) Datu Buckland Bangik, and NREB controller Jack Liam.
