'Tough challenge to balance economy and environment, but doable'

 By Olivia Miwil - November 11, 2021 @ 12:49pm

Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (right) touring the Wild Orchid Garden while listening to a briefing by Sabah Parks ranger Benidict Joseph Busin at the Gunung Alab Substation. - Pic courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board.

KOTA KINABALU: It is challenging to revive economic activities without compromising environmental quality, said state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

"It is undeniable that there is a significant improvement in the environmental quality during the implementation of the movement control order in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

"It showed that people are enjoying a cleaner environment including fresher air.

"This shows that the balance and harmony of nature is in our hands, so nature itself has the power to 'heal' with the wisdom of the Covid-19 outbreak," he said during the virtual launching of the state-level National Environment Day.

Joniston said synergies between agencies at the Federal and State levels should continue through comprehensive enforcement activities and existing measures to strike a balance in reviving the economy and caring for the environment.

"Thus, in facing the challenges and unravelling the problem of environmental pollution, I believe, we are on the right track in managing the environment sustainably through the four main pillars of good governance; powerful legal instruments; comprehensive enforcement; and ongoing education and awareness."

He also added that the theme this year is "Environment, Shared Responsibility" which showed that it was everyone's responsibility to work and save the earth.

Throughout the celebration, agencies under the State Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry held several competitions for primary, secondary and tertiary schools and the public.

"I am interested and excited about the Environmental Journalism Award programme which is held specially for individuals from the mass media sector.

"I understand that there are two categories namely the Press Journalist category and the TV News Journalist category.

"I think such an award programme is appropriate to appreciate and recognise the efforts of these individuals who always producing journalistic work on environmental issues such as river, air, sea, climate change and scheduled waste in Sabah.

"It is hoped that this will have a positive impact and foster awareness among mass media browsers, especially the general public on the importance of caring for the environment," said Joniston, who was formerly an NST journalist.

Berita Harian stringer Rafiqah Dahali won third prize for her article "344 kg sampah dikutip di Pantai Goronggon".