LETTERS: World Nature Conservation Day was celebrated on July 28. Every year, this day is observed to create awareness about protecting and conserving natural resources.
Threats to nature are increasing at an alarming rate. Deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, use of plastics, discharge of harmful chemicals and pollution of air, noise and water are rampant.
Safeguarding a healthy environment is a must for present and future generations. It is crucial to appreciate the abundance that the Earth has given us. The water, oxygen, soil, minerals, trees and animals are all taken for granted simply because we do not see the danger of losing them.
A search for environmental issues will reveal much interesting news. In fact, if greenhouse gas emissions are constantly high and global warming continues unabated, an average of 234,500 Malaysians will be affected by floods annually due to a rise in sea levels between 2070 and 2100. This is aggravated by poor drainage system, especially in urban areas.
An issue relating to negligence in environmental care worth highlighting is the dumping of chemical waste in Sungai Kim Kim, Pasir Gudang, Johor. This resulted in the release of toxic fumes that caused thousands to be hospitalised. This happened despite having in force the Environmental Quality Act 1974. This act specifically restricts the discharging of waste into the environment.
It is unfortunate that irresponsible parties have chosen to disrespect the rule of law. On species conservation, 14 per cent of Malaysian mammals have been identified as endangered species. Many may not know that the Sumatran rhinoceros is extinct in the country
The last male and female rhinoceros died in May and November last year. There are about only 80 rhinos left in Indonesia.
Experts have predicted that the next species facing extinction would be the Malayan Tiger. Although campaigns have been organised to create awareness about the potential extinction of the species, only through strict enforcement of the law will the species be protected.
The other top endangered mammals include the black shrew, Malayan Tapir, mouse deer and orang utan.
The loss of habitat should be taken into serious consideration. A tree is being cut down four times faster than its sustainability by loggers and palm oil cultivators.
There may be more threatened and endangered species off the record.
The public needs to know the importance of preserving the environment for long-term socio-economic wellbeing. This in accordance with Goals No. 14 (Life Below Water) and No. 15 (Life on Land) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
These were pledged by Malaysia and other countries in 2015 under the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
However, it is disappointing that many environmental legislation and regulations are developed only to be ignored years later. Even with so many goals put in place, sustainable development still ends up seriously wrong.
It is time for a consistent indicator or measure to track the progress of nations that have pledged to create a better environment.
In conjunction with World Nature Conservation Day, let us play our role as responsible citizens. Start by using resources wisely and only when needed. Avoid wastage of water, use of plastics and wastage of food.
Empower and inspire others by sharing your celebration on social media. Let's conserve the environment for the benefit of all.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
Chairman, Alliance for Safe Community
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times