PRIME Minister  Ismail Sabri Yaakob wants environmental violations to be addressed with stricter laws.

Speaking to reporters after officiating the World Environment Day celebration at Taman Tugu in Kuala Lumpur today, Ismail says the park, previously a well-maintained forest area, had been turned into a garbage dump by irresponsible parties.

“Therefore, enactment of laws related to the environment need to be expedited in an effort to ensure that there are no violations that could lead to environmental destruction.

“We have been talking about environmental law for a long time… however, I have not been able to get comprehensive information. Insya-Allah, on Wednesday (in the cabinet meeting) I will emphasise that an environmental law needs to be expedited,” he said.

Ismail said apart from that, the people must continue to look after the environment, as the world was currently experiencing climate change and the effects had already been felt.

Elaborating further, the prime minister said the major floods which occurred previously could still also occur at any time due to climate change.

“For example, unexpected floods and in areas that had never experienced floods before. In the past, we could expect the northeast monsoon to occur in November, December and January, but now this happens regardless of the time.

“In Kuala Lumpur, there were flash floods. This shows that climate change has already started and in the next 10 years we expect it to be even worse,” he said.

Earlier, Ismail, in his speech in conjunction with World Environment Day, themed “Only One Earth”, explained the government’s action plan and mitigation efforts for the short and long term in facing global climate change.

He said the government’s targets include increasing the share of renewable energy capacity to 31% and a recycling rate of 40% by 2025, besides maintaining at least 50% of the country’s forest cover.

To boost the country’s green agenda, Ismail said the government also set a target to achieve carbon-neutral nation status through the 12th Malaysia Plan, the Sustainable Malaysia 2030 target and exemption from import duty, excise duty and sales tax for electric vehicles.

“The country’s commitment through zero or low-carbon investment and green technology is expected to attract investors to make Malaysia a green investment hub destination,” he said.

He also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the local community to create a greener environment, such as the Kebun-kebun Bangsar and Kebun-kebun Kerinchi community projects in the capital.

“Interestingly, these vegetable gardens are managed using the communities’ own funds to educate and encourage public involvement. The crops are also shared with the less fortunate.

“The concept of empowering the community is what I want to expand to realise the country’s green agenda. Therefore, I want the relevant government agencies to help, especially to facilitate matters and provide the necessary assistance,” he said. – Bernama, June 5, 2022.