KUANTAN: The Pahang government has been reminded not to sideline environmental sustainability in its efforts to pursue national and state interest.
Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah said when implementing projects, there has to be a balance between the development and supporting the net zero carbon emissions.
"I do not want 'menang bersorak, kampung tergadai' (don't risk losing everything for something that is not worth it) and furthermore, Pahang is a state rich with natural resources and has valuable natural treasure. Never sideline the environment in the pursuit to develop the country and state.
"I am proud of the state government's achievement to secure seven international investments projects from Singapore, China, Thailand and South Korea totalling some RM11billion till December last year but I would advise to thoroughly monitor the investments.
"Most importantly, all the investments must not pollute the environment in the state. We do not want the (investments) to be just great in numbers but allow the people to receive the spillover effect in terms of job creations," he said in his royal address at the opening of the 15th state legislative assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang here today.
The Regent cautioned that the natural resources in the state might not be sustained if there is no well coordinated management and planning.
"We have to develop a strategy to switch from the current traditional economy resources such as mineral, soil and timber to other alternative economy resources. If we remain united and focus, Pahang will not only be able to become a major contributor to the country's economy but also contribute to the country's net-zero emission.
"Therefore, I want my government to practise sustainable development based on the concept of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in every project to guarantee the welfare and prosperity of the people," he said.
Tengku Hassanal also said he has been regularly receiving reports involving enforcement activities on trespassing, theft involving natural resources and illegal exploration of forest reserves in Pahang.
"I find our enforcement is still at a weak level and there is a lot that has to be improved. Yes, Pahang is huge but that should not be used as a reason for us not to act aggressively towards those who steal the natural resources in Pahang.
"There is no choice but to further intensify the enforcement activities and I want all the enforcement agencies to be brave and bold by carrying out their duties professionally, regardless of the background of the offender.
"My government has to find a way to enhance the enforcement activities further and provide a suitable budget so they (the enforcement agencies) can perform their tasks diligently," he said.
Tengku Hassanal lauded the Pahang government's move to gazette the Gunung Aais forest reserve and Gunung Aais forest reserve (extension) in Jerantut as the Al-Sultan Abdullah royal tiger reserve which is the first reserve in the country and Pahang has taken the lead to protect the endangered species.