Pledge on protecting the environment

Date Posted: 23 May 2008

KOTA KINABALU: The state government is committed to protecting the environment for future generations.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said among the steps taken were to amend several laws on environmental protection.

He said efforts were also being made to ensure the rivers are clean and caution is taken when utilizing natural resources.

"We have the federal Department of Environment (DOE) and the state Environmental Protection Department to monitor the situation and enforce the laws," he said when opening a dialogue on the environment here yesterday.

The text of his speech was read by his deputy Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin.

Masidi also said the industries were in a position to contribute to environmental protection and at the same time to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.

Meanwhile the minister said the rapid industrial development had heightened the need to focus more on the health and safety aspects for workers.

"We must try to avoid accidents at the workplace," he said, adding that industry players should try to achieve 'zero accident'.

The dialogue was organised by Chemsain Konsultant Sdn Bhd and attended by more than 100 representatives from the government and public sectors.

Also present were Chemsain Konsultant director Dr John Chin, DOE director Haji Abdul Razak Abdul Manap and state Environment Protection Department director Datuk Eric Juin.

(Source: New Sabah Times, 22 May 2008)