IPOH: The destruction of the environment in the name development and profit cannot be justified, states Peraks Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
He said that natural disasters occurring more often in recent times should be considered a divine censure for mankind’s misbehaviours, which has caused nature against us.
Sultan Nazrin, the monarch, spoke during the opening of the fifth session at the 14th Perak state assembly yesterday. He said that national growth and development must be balanced with respect for the environment in order to cultivate awareness.
The Perak Ruler stated that the Covid-19 pandemic as well as natural disasters and inflation have all threatened the global food supplies.
He also stated that the 2020 Global Report On Food Crises warned of the potential for a pandemic to trigger a food crisis at critical levels. Rising food prices could cause severe distress and affect people’s lives.
Food wastage is a common occurrence. Global data shows that 2.4% of the world’s gross domestic products is wasted on food waste. In Malaysia, 17,000 tonnes of leftovers, which could feed three millions people, are disposed of every day.
There are 4,080 tonnes of this food that can be disposed of. This is a reflection of the seriousness and danger of food wastage today.
He said that man must be taught to value food and to adopt a no waste culture. The government must also take meaningful steps to stop food wastage.
Sultan Nazrin suggested that state departments must set good example by looking at the food they order for events.
He stated that all households, schools, institutions higher learning, places for worship, food operators, restaurants and hotels should not provide food that is only destined for the garbage.
Sultan Nazrin also stated that Malaysians are very lacking in awareness of the dangers of plastic pollution that could pollute the food chain and the environment. Many organisations must play their part in educating the public on litter prevention and how to reduce plastics use.
The public must be educated so that they don’t throw plastic waste into the rivers, seas or drains.
Sultan Nazrin said that the young are an important asset to the nation. 28% of Malaysians are youths and 7.8 millions youths would be eligible voters for the 15th General Election.
They need to be nurtured, guided and educated.
A transparent, trustworthy, sincere, honest and transparent machine will help you realize every vision, idea, aspiration, and plan.
These goals cannot be achieved if the administration has a high level of integrity, transparency, no corruption or abuse of power, and is accountable to the people as well as to Allah.