Uncontrolled development and pollution must be dealt with seriously - Sultan Nazrin

IPOH: Development is not a licence to allow the destruction of the environment, says Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.

According to him, unplanned development and those done without any Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) approval, especially in highland areas, would do serious harm to the environment.

“For example, the uncontrolled development that was reported in Tanah Tinggi Kinta (Perak) bordering Cameron Highlands (Pahang) and Lojing (Kelantan) has resulted in serious erosion and silt,” he added.

Sultan Nazrin said the toxic pollution in Pasir Gudang, Johor recently should be a lesson to all on the importance of treating environmental pollution seriously.

He added that the Department of Environment and local authorities must act strictly by conducting periodic monitoring and to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

“All plastic recycling plants should carry out an EIA study and factories that operate illegally must be closed without delay. An awareness to minimise the use of plastics must be instilled among the people.

“Government departments and agencies, the private sector, schools, mosques, synagogues and non-governmental organisations (NGO) should be actively involved in implementing the zero plastic campaign,” he added.

Sultan Nazrin said this in his speech at the second term of the 14th State Legislative Assembly at the Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan here today. Also present was his consort, Tuanku Zara Salim.

According to him, stability, peace, prosperity and the well-being of the country depends on the success of inculcating the spirit of inter-racial cooperation and fostering mutual respect between religions.

“The actions by any quarters to sensationalise racial and religious issues could destroy peace, unity and harmony that was built by the previous generation,” he added.

Sultan Nazrin in his speech also gave his thumbs-up to New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Kate Laurell Ardern on the way she handled the Al-Noor mosque terror attack incident in Christchurch which killed 50 people and injured 62 others last month.

“When the leader shows exemplary leadership, the people will live in peace and harmony. There is only one per cent of Muslims of the total population in New Zealand, but Jacinda has assured that their safety and rights as citizens will always be protected.

“Jacinda, through her words and actions, has given New Zealand a new look and image, and place her citizens and nation in high regard,” he said, expressing his condolences to the victims and families of the terror attack, and hoping that their life would be back to normal again soon.

By Zahratulhayat Mat Arif - April 16, 2019 @ 12:19pm