May-June , 2022 | @ green
CLIMATE CHANGE
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Mangrove - Sungai Acheh
PM reaffirms mitigation efforts
Malaysia celebrates with environmentally conscious actions in conjunction with World Environment Day
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BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
THE 49TH World Environment Day ( WED ) was observed this year . The WED , established in 1972 , is celebrated annually on June 5 . This year ’ s theme , ’ Only One Earth ’, calls for collective , transformative action on a global scale to celebrate , protect and restore our planet .
Around the world , countries and communities acted on WED to make a real difference in their environments . MalMalaysia ’ sD celebration was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob at Taman Tugu on June 5 .
Committed to going green
In his speech , Ismail Sabri detailed the government ’ s immediate and long-term action plans and mitigation efforts in the face of global climate change .
According to him , the government ’ s goals include expanding renewable energy capacity to 31 per cent and recycling to 40 per cent by 2025 , as well as maintaining at least 50 per cent of the country ’ s forest cover .
Ismail Sabri stated the government set an aim to reach carbon-neutral nation status through the 12th Malaysia Plan ( 12MP ), the Sustainable Malaysia 2030 target and exemption from import duty , excise duty and sales tax for electric vehicles to strengthen the country ’ s green agenda .
“ The country ’ s commitment to zero or low carbon investment and green technologies is projected to attract investors , transforming Malaysia into a green investment hub ,” he said .
He also stated that environmental regulations must be hastened to ensure that no violations could result in environmental harm .
Call to action on WED In conjunction with WED 2022 , many
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civil and private agencies in Malaysia have pledged their efforts to conserve and restore the environment .
Malaysia Airlines marked WED by flying its first passenger flight using sustainable aviation fuel ( SAF ) between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport ( KLIA ).
Nestle , the world ’ s largest SAF producer , produces revolutionary fuel technology from 100 per cent renewable waste and residue-based raw materials like animal fat waste and cooking oil . As a result , it has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent .
SAF ’ s use on MH606 ( Singapore to Kuala Lumpur ) and MH603 ( Kuala Lumpur to Singapore ) flights reaffirms the national carrier ’ s commitment to a sustainable future and represents substantial progress toward achieving a cleaner , more viable fuel source for regular flights by 2025 .
According to the national news agency Bernama , the flights will be operated on Boeing 737-800 planes . Aside from that , the flights will use a 38 per cent SAF and conventional jet fuel blend .
Meanwhile , in Penang , Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation ( MGTC ) and Kelab Belia Prihatin Malaysia at the Sungai Acheh Mangrove Forest Education Centre arranged a programme to plant 500 mangrove plants in Sungai Acheh .
The programme drew 235 young people from all across Malaysia , including students from Universiti Sains Malaysia ( USM ) and local fishing community members .
MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd ( MSM ), through wholly-subsidiary MSM Prai Bhd ( MSM Prai ), pledged to plan 1000 mangrove trees in stages in an area solely dedicated to trees and mangrove planting in Penang .
MSM Group chief executive officer Syed Feizal Syed Mohammad said , in conjunction with WED 2022 , the sugar refiner is reaffirming its commitment to the green environmental preservation and conservation programme .
“ Mangrove tree planting is an effective nature-friendly approach with benefits in the conservation of a wide ecosystem including protecting water quality , stabilising river banks and fostering fish habitat as well as contributing to climate change mitigation ,” he said in a statement .
He added that apart from the mangrove plants , MSM Prai also contributed funds to the Mangrove Forest Education Centre for its entrance arch and boardwalk repair works .
These mangrove plant planting programmes align with the Environment and Water Ministry ’ s ( KASA ) aspiration to plant mangrove trees and suitable species in the country ’ s coastal areas , including activities to conserve and preserve mangrove forests . — @ Green
Malaysian Airlines - Sustainable Aviation Fuel .