Oleh/By : DATO' SERI DR. MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Tempat/Venue : PUTRA WORLD TRADE CENTRE,
KUALA LUMPUR
Tarikh/Date : 17/10/96
Tajuk/Title : THE DINNER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
DIVING EQUIPMENT AND MARKETING
ASSOCIATION (DEMA) EXPO `96
1. I would like to thank the Ministry of
Agriculture, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and
Tourism, the Ministry of Science, Technology and
Environment, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the
Malaysian Sports Diving Association (MSDA) and the
private sector for inviting me today in conjunction
with the opening of the Diving Equipment and
Marketing Association (DEMA) EXPO today. It is
significant that Malaysia has been chosen as the
venue for its first EXPO outside the USA. An Expo
such as this will go a long way towards promoting
the growth of the recreational diving industry on a
global basis. I understand that currently there are
about 10,000 recreational divers in Malaysia.
2. Malaysia is located in the tropical zone and is
blessed with beautiful islands fringed with coral
reefs. The marine biodiversity in the tropical
region is one of the highest in the world. The
uniqueness of its biological diversity is an asset
to the country. Renewable marine resources, if used
wisely on sustainable basis, could give a lot of
mileage in terms of economic benefits to various
groups.
3. Malaysia is committed towards environmental
preservation and this conservation and management
of its environment is best reflected in the
international conventions, regional agreements and
national programmes that have been signed, ratified
and implemented.
4. The Malaysian economy has been showing good
progress. But this economic progress has not been
done at the expense of its environment. In fact it
is in tandem with the commitment to environmental
protection, conservation and management. The
Government has implemented a number of measures to
address environmental issues to ensure that
productivity and economic growth will not compromise
the long term well-being of this country.
5. The Economic Planning Unit in the Prime
Minister's Department has formulated the National
Policy for the Management of Coastal Resources.
This is because the government has realised that
managing the coastal resources on sustainable basis
is crucial for the long term well-being of this
country. I believe that coastal resources should be
protected from those who seek immediate and short
term gains which must in the long run cause
irreparable damage and loss.
6. Most ministries have an environmental division
to oversee all environmental issues related to their
roles and functions. The environmental awareness
among the policy makers, decision makers and
implementors of various projects will help in the
development of eco-friendly projects.
7. In this context, I am glad to note that the
private sector has been receptive to the needs of
environmental conservation and it is common for
major developers to have an in-house environmental
consulting divisions. The project developers can
rest assured that their environmentally friendly
project will get all the necessary approval and
could start as scheduled. It could also minimise
court litigations and payment of compensations.
8. Economic development should always take into
consideration the various aspects of human and
natural resources development. In Malaysia all
major development projects need an Environmental
Impact Assessment to be approved before the project
can be implemented.
9. The Environmental Impact Assessment considers
social as well as physical, biological and chemical
impacts on the environment. The implementation of
EIA's procedures has managed to reduce risk to the
developer and at the same time help preserve the
environment.
10. The Malaysia Incorporated approach is our way
of promoting cooperation between the public sector,
the private sector and the Non-Governmental
Organisations involved either directly or indirectly
in the implementation of projects. In the case of
the marine environment and resources, the
government's intention is to protect, develop, and
manage without entirely negating the economic and
recreational potentials. To be worthwhile, beauty
must not just be preserved but it must also be
enjoyed by the greatest number of people. Beauty
that is totally hidden from view is meaningless. It
is worst than an abstraction. It is like music to
the deaf or light to the blind.
11. One of the encouragements for the private
sector to help conserve the environment is the
provision of tax incentives. The private sector has
been enjoying this privilege and has been showing
good appreciation of the need to protect our natural
heritage.
12. Trust Funds, such as the Marine Park and Marine
Reserve Trust Fund, are intended by the Government
to ensure sustainable financing for the conservation
and management of our marine environment. Since
marine resource conservation and management are for
the benefit of all stakeholders, it is only fair
that the
economic gains of the stakeholders be partly
channelled back towards the conservation of the
resources.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
13. With current efforts focussed on developing the
rich and beautiful marine life, it is only to be
expected that the number of deep sea divers should
increase. The Malaysian Sports Diving Association
(MSDA) must be commended for it certainly has done
its part to encourage diving as an important
recreational activity. The EXPO organised by DEMA
too will undoubtedly provide a venue for divers from
all over the world to see for themselves the latest
in the diving equipment, besides enabling visitors
and divers to exchange information and experiences
on this sporting activity. Industry players too
will be exposed to new markets and opportunities.
Indeed, DEMA Asia `96 will serve as a positive model
to stimulate the diving equipment industry while at
the same time create an awareness among the public
on the need to protect and conserve the environment.
Its mutual benefit to both industry and the
Government could not be overemphasised.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
14. The international communities involved in the
research, management and conservation of coral reefs
have agreed to declare 1997 as the International
Year of the Reef. There has been a realisation that
awareness of the importance of coral reef resources
has to be heightened. Malaysian scientists and
resource managers have been conducting various
research and monitoring management and conservation
efforts. The International Year of the Reef will be
a good platform to highlight our efforts and
contributions towards conservation and management of
coral reefs. Various programmes have also been
planned to commemorate the International Year of the
Reefs.
I bid all visitors welcome to Malaysia and hope
you will enjoy your stay.
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