Going green the way forward – Max
MELALAP: Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili yesterday urged the younger generation to play their role in promoting a green lifestyle.
Stressing that going green is the new way to go, Maximus stressed that it is vital for every individual to embrace the green lifestyle, as the nation marches towards green growth.
“Economic development based on sustainability is vital. We need to protect our jungle, water and other resources to ensure sustainable supply to meet the needs of the people. Our decisions today will affect tomorrow’s future.
“As such, we call for everyone’s participation, be it from the government, private sector, nongovernmental organisations or the people, to ensure our objective to conserve and promote a green lifestyle would run smoothly,” said Maximus at the launching of second series of the Jelajah Yayasan Hijau (Jelajah YaHijau) for Sabah, here.
He said apart from the existing efforts, KeTTHA has also established its TN50 Green, which is part of the National Transformation 50 (TN50) programme, an initiative to plan for the future of Malaysia in the period 2020 to 2050, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last year.
The TN50 Green programme is currently implemented through the bottom-up method where feedback is compiled from the people, especially the younger generation, in line with the motto - ‘green and sustainable future’.
Maximus, however, noted that despite the vast development in the area, power and energy conservation must not be neglected. The Jelajah YaHijau Sabah series made its first stop in Sabah at Kota Marudu on July 15. A similar programme was also held in Sarawak last year.
YaHijau is a foundation set up to promote a green lifestyle and technology in a move to make it a way of life among Malaysians. It was established following an announcement made during the tabling of Budget 2014 by Prime Minister, with a launching fund of RM15 million.
“I am confident that the people here will help conserve energy and water resources to ensure a continuous sustainable supply of both resources.
“With the help of everyone, I also believe that we will be able to find a collective and effective solution to overcome the current situation affecting our power and water generation,” said Maximus.
He also urged the Melalap people to continue forging close working relations with the ruling government and give full support to the national transformation agenda to further develop rural Sarawak and Sabah.
Also at the event were Rural Development Minister cum Melalap Assemblyman Datuk Seri Panglima Radin Malleh, Tenom District Officer Madiyem Layapan and YaHijau Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Amin Abdullah.