BY NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS & ALEXANDRA LORNA
KUCHING: The theme for the 11th Premier of Sarawak Environmental Award (PSEA) 2023/2024, ‘Incorporating Environmental Sustainability into Practices’, highlighted the importance of embedding sustainable practices into daily activities and decision-making processes.
Controller of Natural Resources and Environmental Board (NREB) Datuk Jack Liam said it reflects the shared responsibility between related parties to build a sustainable future through consistent environmental stewardship.
“Achieving environmental sustainability requires collective efforts, including adopting greener technologies, reducing carbon emissions, and restoring ecosystems.
“Together, we can drive transformative change and achieve long-term sustainability goals,” he said in his speech during the 11th PSEA ceremony at Imperial Hotel here, on Wednesday (Jan 22).
Jack encouraged all the relevant parties to draw inspiration from the honourees and work towards embedding sustainability in every aspect of life.
“Together, we can build a greener, cleaner, and healthier Sarawak,” he said.
In the meantime, Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) president Datuk Jonathan Chai explained that the theme emphasise the integration of eco-friendly principles directly into business operations, decision-making and growth strategies.
“This approach involves reducing environmental impacts by minimising waste, conserving resources, using renewable energy, and implementing sustainable supply chain practices.
“SBF along with their 23 industry members in Sarawak, are focused on making environmental sustainability a part of daily business practices.
“As leaders in the private sector, we understand the crucial role our businesses play in shaping the future,” he said.
Chai said business sustainability also means finding ways to balance profitability with environmental responsibility, recognising that long-term growth depends on preserving the ecosystems, and resources on which the economy relies.
“While everyone is aware that sustainability is a journey, I admit that it can be challenging to balance environmental goals with business goals.
“The challenges of recent years have reminded us of the importance of resilient, sustainable business practices. I hope we can all take a moment to think about the role we can play in this transformation,” he added.
The award ceremony was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Also present were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas; Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom; State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki; Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh; and Deputy Minister of Energy and Environment Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abg Hipni.
