Article: Muhyiddin: Pollution can destroy waterways

Friday June 5, 2009

By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH

MUAR: River basins in the country must be efficiently managed and cared for to curb pollution, which can destroy water sources.

Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said seven rivers – among them Sungai Penang, Sungai Juru, Sungai Skudai, Sungai Tebrau and Sungai Seget – were highly polluted.

River basins should be free from pollution of any form, he said, and urged all parties to be committed to looking after the environment and waterways.

Barisan Nasional members of parliament would head committees in their areas to instil environmental awareness among the people, he added.

For areas not represented by Barisan MPs, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry would appoint suitable leaders to head the committees.

Impressed: Muhyiddin asking pupils questions about their project during an exhibition at SK Bakri Batu 5 in Muar Thursday. With him is (left) Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas. — Bernama

Speaking to reporters after launching the Friends of the Environment programme here, he said the ministry wanted to boost awareness among the people on protecting the environment, especially rivers and river basins.

"It is important for everyone in the country to love nature and the environment if we want to protect the planet we live on," he said.

"The people should realise that there is only one planet for mankind and everyone should play their role in protecting it."

Muhyiddin, who was accompanied by Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman, said the ministry had also formed a special environment club (Kelab Rakan Alam Sekitar).

The club, one each to be set up in all parliamentary constituencies, would organise activities to instil love and care for nature and the ecological system.

Earlier, Muhyiddin presented cash prizes, awards and certificates to 11 schools which participated in the ministry's Sustainable School (Sekolah Lestari) programme last year.

Winners SMK (P) Methodist Pulau Penang (in the secondary school category) and SK Bakri Batu 5 here (primary school) received RM10,000 cash and a certificate each.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Nation 5 June 2009