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Promulgate And Enforce The National Policy On The Environment
Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong on the mudslide disaster on 5 January 1999 at Kampung Raja, Cameron Hghlands, Malaysia. 9 January 2000.

 
On 5 January 2000, six bodies were recovered from the mudslide at vegetable farms in Kampung Raja, Cameron Highlands. This is but one tragedy among several along hill sides throughout Malaysia.

Cameron Highlands attract tourists. But, in the last few years, environmental degradation threatens to reduce the tourist flow. Just like similar disasters elsewhere including the Highland Towers, Ulu Klang, Selangor and Genting Highlands, Pahang, many factors contribute to the tragedy such as lack of enforcement, over-cultivation and the lack of coordination between local, state and federal governments.

The Government must have a commission of enquiry on the disaster. The causes must be identified and weaknesses rectified.

Clearly, we need a national policy on the environment to deal with all aspects of environment or the

degradation of environment: clean air, conservation of natural resources, and sustainable development.

In the last few years, the Government has announced its intention to promulgate such as policy. It is dragging its feet. We shall continue to press for this type of effective and comprehensive policy.

Every time a disaster strikes, there is a furore citing various factors. For example, there is not enough experts on environment especially at the over 150 local governments in the country. Obviously, the steps taken are scracely effective. It may take years.

As the hills are gradually denuded, how much of the over 50% area covered by forests in Malaysia will be left in this millennium? How effective is the monitoring on the destruction of forests and jungles to ensure biodiversity and sustainable development?

Dr Tan Seng Giaw

 

 
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