BY SITI NURAIN RATANI
KUCHING: Society plays an important role in being the “eyes and ears” of the government to help in reporting cases of environmental misconduct to retain environmental sustainability.
Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) environmental quality controller Justin Jok Jau Emang said misconduct cases could be reported directly to NREB or other relevant authorities to prevent the issue from escalating.
“We must know that it is everyone’s responsibility to care for the environment and not just the state government alone.
“Together, all parties must carry out their responsibilities to care for the environment in order to form a community that cares about the environment through programmes and activities organized,” he said officiating the opening of Environmental Culture Programme jointly organised by NREB and Masjid Darul Ibadah Semariang Lama, here on Saturday (Dec 5).
The programme is a pilot programme undertaken by NREB to implement a green concept mosque in Sarawak, he explained.
Based on NREB’s vision of “A Clean, Green and Healthy Sarawak”, the objective of the programme is to uplift the image of the mosque which not only serves as a house of worship, but also as an institution that contributes to the sustainability of nature through activities and community programmrs with a green concept.
“It can also cultivate environmental care practices and an attitude of accountability to the environment of the mosque and villages as well as create a community that cares about the environment,” he explained.
He said the house of worship is not only a place to practise religious activities, but is also able to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Justine explained that in addition to enforcing environmental laws, NREB also adopts various educational approaches.
“Education is a very important approach so that people from all walks of life can work together and are being responsible in preserving and conserving the environment.
“NREB’s environmental education programme covers all layers of society. These programmes are also jointly organised with various strategic partners that will include mosques and various houses of worship.
Meanwhile, Justin urged the public involved in the programme to always comply with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the authorities in view of the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak.
He revealed that the second implementation of the programme will be held on Dec 19 in Dalat, Mukah.
