SIBU, March 21: The recent flash floods which hit Kuching was due to the consequences of climate change, says Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government II Michael Tiang.
Tiang added that the call to address climate change is more urgent now and if nothing is done, more cities would be affected by floods and other natural disasters.
“Recently, Kuching was hit by flash floods and I am sure many of us saw it on the news or on social media, that cars and homes were submerged and even the Sarawak General Hospital was badly affected by the floods. This happened because Kuching experienced 20 per cent higher amount of rainfall this year compared to the previous ever recorded. These are only few of the examples of the direct effect of climate change,” Tiang said today at the Sibu Municipal Council’s Climate Change Action Plan seminar.
He stressed that the government is placing environmental sustainability as one of the three main pillars in its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
This is an ambitious plan for Sarawak to answer to the global call in the fight against climate change.
However, the pursuit of advancement cannot be done at the expense of the environment, he said.
“We cannot put nature in jeopardy because if we do that, the one who will suffer are the people. Economic growth and a safe environment must come together hand in hand,” he emphasised.
Tiang said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has worked very hard to change the region’s economic model and reposition it as a major green energy economy in South East Asia by focusing on emerging industries such as hydrogen, solar energy, hydroelectric, biofuel and so forth.
“This is what the regional government is doing and will do. However, it still needs the support from its local authorities to play its part well in encouraging the community to save the environment,” he added. — DayakDaily
