KUCHING, Sept 7: Sarawak’s natural resources and forests are one of Malaysia’s main carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, making it a vital regulator of climate change and thus protecting them is important to defend the climate.
Highlighting this, Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasised that Sarawak is leading the movement and initiatives in ensuring environmental sustainability which is one of the three main pillars of Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“In line with Malaysia’s intention to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity by 45 per cent across the economy, based on gross domestic product, in 2030, Sarawak is committed towards preservation of six million hectares (ha) of land as permanent forests and one million ha as totally protected areas (TPAs).
“Sarawak is also developing our Sustainable Sarawak Blueprint to guide all government agencies, businesses and communities in achieving sustainability goals aligned with the UN SDG (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals),” he said in a statement when officiating at the Repurposed Art Exhibition by Chemsain at the Chemsain Konsultant Sdn Bhd building in Rock Road here today.
The blueprint, added Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, will address concerns related to biodiversity conservation and natural resources management as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“The blueprint would concurrently create an enabling environment with modern infrastructure in tandem with the country’s Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0),” he said.
With that, he commended Chemsain, Sarawak’s homegrown leader in environmental consultancy in Malaysia, for staging an art exhibition to create awareness on environmental sustainability.
“Art is an effective way for us to connect which transcends language and cultural barriers. This exhibition provides an interactive way to educate the public.
“I am happy to see artistes and corporate organisations can collaborate on such a dynamic effort,” he said.
Noting that the world today is plagued with environmental issues in which some are irreversible, Dr Sim highlighted the pressing need for a renewed focus on sustainability.
“With Chemsain’s experience and strength, they are one of the pioneering few in Sarawak to embark on providing sustainability services to support not just Sarawak but the whole of Malaysia in our sustainability agenda,” he added.
Chemsain Group of Companies executive director Dr John Chan, in his speech, emphasised that sustainability is not the role of any particular government agency or individual but a collective effort.
“The State government is looking at determining the baseline for greenhouse gases and ways to reduce its emission as part of our journey towards Environmental Social Governance (ESG), among its many initiatives.
“We have provided countless solutions in environment, engineering, occupational hygiene, water infrastructure, information management and scientific research supported by state-of-the-art laboratories which provide testing in almost every industry you can think of in Malaysia,” he said.
Meanwhile, the exhibition happening throughout September has over 100 exhibits on display including sculptures, decorative art, paintings and photography.
It features artists such as Melton Kais, Edwin Kiu, as well as the Aftermath Thinker, an art collective consisting of five individuals from different art backgrounds with the same interest in exploring the culture of recycling through art appreciation and renowned wildlife photographer Chien C. Lee to name a few.
Non-governmental organisations like Perkata, Heart Treasures and Kuching Autistic Association are integrated into the art exhibition’s programme, showcasing their art.
Heart Treasures, an organisation focused on people living with intellectual and physical disabilities will be hosting workshops every weekend this September, and artist Angelina Bong will be conducting a beaded nature acrylic painting workshop this coming weekend.
The event is located at first floor and level 6 inside Chemsain Konsultant building at Jalan Rock with free entry to the public.
For latest updates, follow Chemsain Konsultant on Facebook or call 082-548366 or email ivy.ting@chemsain.com for further enquiries or isit their website www.chemsain.com. — DayakDaily
