KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is committed to becoming a carbon neutral nation by 2050.
As such, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Malaysia confirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
“Via the UN New Urban Agenda as well, we have a new global plan for sustainable urban development. This is the road map for urban development which not only functions to drive prosperity but also cultural centres, social wellbeing and environmental protection,” he said at the Prime Minister’s Hibiscus Award ceremony.
The text of his speech was read by Datuk Nik Azman Nik Abdul Majid, the director-general of the Prime Minister’s Department’s Economic Planning Unit.
Present were the awards committee chairman Tan Sri Mustafa Mansur and Department of Environment director-general Datuk Dr Ahmad Kamarulnajuib Che Ibrahim.
Zahid said the New Urban Agenca provided a reference for all countries in the world to achieve sustainable development, called Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He said it also provided a basis for actions which needed to be taken to handle climate changes.
All these, he said, was taken into consideration by Malaysia in planning any development, including industrial development, so that such development remains sustainable and an income generator for the long-term.
“Besides, sustainable development and the search for environmentally-friendly technological solutions to industry can help increase the standard of living of society.
“In this regard, both the private and public sectors, as well as individuals, must play their respective roles to protect the environment by living sustainable lifestyles,” he said, adding that this was in line with the National Transformation 2050 plan for Malaysia to be one of the 20 best countries in the world in terms of wellbeing, happiness and sustainability.
At the event, the Tampoi branch of Kerry Ingredients (M) Sdn Bhd was given the PM’s Hibiscus Award while Sabah Daily Express journalist Kan Yaw Chong was awarded Best Environmental Report for a series of articles on the Sukau Bridge.
