Writing and talking about Sarawak rights and autonomy is all the rage at the moment, and rightly so.
However, there is another very important right all Sarawakians should also adopt and practise, that is having a green environment mindset.
Our government must ensure Sarawak as a nation and its people adopt practices that are environmentally friendly and lifestyles that are ecologically responsible.
This will help protect our environment and sustain our natural resources for current and future generations.
After all, what is the use of having achieved our much-desired autonomy under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) but eventually ending up having an environment riddled with eco-disasters and an unhealthy population?
There are of course countless types of issues and measures related to having a sound and safe environment, ranging from industry-related pollution to our own lifestyle-created eco problems.
Where industries are concerned, there are already various laws and agencies in place to tackle some of the issues but the problem here is, as usual, implementation and enforcement.
But here, I just want to focus on a few points which in the opinion of many concerned environmentalists need quick and urgent attention.
I am referring to the most common environmental problem we are encountering now, plastics and styrofoam.
It is everywhere, in our sea, our drains, our parks, our beaches, along the roadside and the list goes on.
Not only is it unsightly but also dangerous to all living things as it ends up in our food chain and eventually harms our health.
So what are we doing about it?
Internationally, we have Agenda 21, a non-binding action plan of the United Nations with regard to sustainable development arising out of the Earth Summit (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.
So on a positive note, it is great to see some initiatives taken by the government and local authorities here to support some aspects of the Local Agenda 21 initiatives.
There are also some active NGOs and individuals who have dedicated themselves to combat the use and disposal of plastics and styrofoam.
Over the years there have been numerous awareness programmes, like “Say No to Plastics and Styrofoam” campaigns and beach cleaning activities.
The programmes include launching gimmick after gimmick of “No Plastic Bags” for shopping on certain days of the week depending on which town or city one is in.
However, at the moment despite all the good and dedicated work by the government, NGOs and individuals there seems to be no end in sight to the mountains of plastic bags and styrofoam being thrown around indiscriminately.
Apparently, Malaysia is now categorised as one of the world’s worst countries for plastic pollution. It is the eighth biggest producer of mismanaged plastic waste.
To counter those who might be against banning plastic bags and styrofoam it must be highlighted that there are proven and effective biodegradable alternatives to plastics and styrofoam.
It is not easy to change our habits and adopt a plastic bag-free and styrofoam-free lifestyle. I must admit even after much awareness, I find it difficult at times.
The awareness programmes have been plentiful. Many activities have been carried out all over Sarawak, from schools to shopping malls.
Thousands of “Go Green” and “Say No to Plastic” T-shirts must have been printed as part of this noble effort to save our environment.
I am sure these efforts have made an impact, but I fear at the moment, merely a dent in the overall picture.
Just as an example, we have a long coast line with lots of beaches for our people and tourists to enjoy. But increasingly we can see so many plastic products washed up on our shores.
It is important to realise that whether these items are disposed of properly or improperly, the plastic bags we use in our everyday life can take up to 1,000 years to decompose and styrofoam from 500 years to forever.
Let’s stop and think. Is there not something wrong in our approach?
With the above facts in mind, is it advisable to practise the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for plastic bags and styrofoam?
Consider this, even with 3R practices for plastic bags and styrofoam, these harmful products will still exist in our environment negatively affecting the lives of many.
We should just not have them in Sarawak. It is that simple.
Our government needs to pass laws or introduce regulations to ban the import, manufacture, sale, distribution of plastic bags and styrofoam and while we are at it, ban plastic straws as well.
This would leave an immediate and positive impact onto our environment.
Yes, there will be detractors who would resist, and I am sure, lobby to prevent this type of laws.
To counter those who might be against banning plastic bags and styrofoam it must be highlighted that there are proven and effective biodegradable alternatives to plastics and styrofoam.
Sarawak can also look to the example set by various countries that have successfully banned plastics and styrofoam.
Just do it for the people of Sarawak and their wellbeing.
It is heartening to see that the government has introduced regulations to limit the negative impact of smoking.
Similarly, regulations to end plastic bags and styrofoam would ultimately be welcomed by our people.
Why wait until Malaya does it and then we follow after much hue and cry about it being our autonomous right to do so?
With plastic bags and styrofoam banned in Sarawak, our environmentalists can move on and focus on the many other important environmental issues.
While we are still struggling with 3Rs there are nations that have moved on to 5Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse and reform).
Sarawak must take the lead on this matter. The prevalence of single use plastics and styroform is an eco-bomb waiting to go off. The warning signs are everywhere.
Awareness programmes alone will not solve the problem. Attempting to changing mindsets alone will not work.
Legislate and enforce to ensure we have a clean environment in Sarawak. Sarawak First!
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
