MALAYSIAN DPM WANTS PRIORITY GIVEN TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Environmental conservation and preservation
must be given priority not only in terms of policy and programmes but also in
the efforts implemented, Muhyiddin Yassin said Monday.

The deputy prime minister said although Malaysia had an action plan for
this, the levelling of hills and mountains and pollution of rivers and lakes
still occurred because of the irresponsible attitude of some parties.

"Malaysia is said to be one of the 10 top nations rich in biodiversity, with
such high value, and special attention should be given to ensure that the
environment is constantly protected and preserved," he said at the monthly
gathering of the Prime Minister's Department (JPM) here.

He said the JPM was the most important department involved directly and
indirectly in ensuring that conservation and preservation of this biodiversity
was carried out and in raising the awareness of the society and those
responsible of the importance of protecting the country's treasure.

Putrajaya, he said, could serve as a model after attracting tourists by the
droves with its beauty not only in terms of its infrastructure but also its
environment, especially the clean and unpolluted lakes.

Muhyiddin said not only must beauty and environment be maintained, it must
be upgraded, especially parking facilities, which cause traffic jams that should
not occur in Putrajaya.

"Environment is a serious issue and world leaders are expected to discuss
serious issues like climate change because people nowadays are less concerned
about preserving the environment, not only in Malaysia but throughout the
world," he said.

He added the civil servants can set an example by becoming role models for
the future generation through the preservation of Fiona and flora.

"We must safeguard the serenity and cleanliness of the environment, reduce
green house gas, reduce pollution, conserve energy, especially in government
buildings, and that can help reduce the expenditure of the government," he said.

The issue of collection and disposal of rubbish and solid waste effectively
has yet to be resolved and many are still not aware of the importance and value
of keeping their places clean.

Muhyiddin said the recent earth-quake in Padang, Indonesia is also a
reminder of how important it is to preserve and conserve the environment and how
fortunate Malaysians are for not living in fear of earth-quakes because Malaysia
is not situated in the 'Ring of Fire' (the Pacific Islands arcs where most of
the world's volcanic action is involved).

-- BERNAMA