Sabah practices sustainable management for environment
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is on the right track when it comes to managing the environment sustainably, said Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said the practice of good governance, powerful legal instruments, comprehensive enforcement, and ongoing education as well as awareness have all contributed to this.
Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism chairman, said this at the state-level National Environment Celebration Day here on Thursday.
“There is no doubt that the environmental quality has improved significantly since the Movement Control Order was implemented, which has seen Malaysians enjoying a healthier environment including cleaner air.
“This shows humans are disrupting nature’s balance and harmony, but that nature has the ability to heal. The challenge now is to reignite economic activity, while avoiding further environmental damage.
“In view of this, synergies between federal and state agencies should be harnessed through comprehensive enforcement actions to keep the momentum going in tackling and resolving environmental pollution problems,” he added.
Bangkuai said his ministry continues to collaborate with the local authorities (PBTs) through household e-waste collection competitions among 11 selected PBTs in Sabah.
The local authorities involved are Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tawau, Beaufort, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kudat, Sipitang, Beluran, Keningau and Papar.
“As a result of this program, we are seeing more and more household e-waste collection centres being created.
“This in turn makes it easier for the public to dispose of electrical and electronic waste from their households, thus helping to preserve the environment at the community level in urban and rural areas,” he said.
There is no doubt that the environmental quality has improved significantly since the Movement Control Order was implemented, which has seen Malaysians enjoying a healthier environment including cleaner air.
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai