A concerted effort by individuals, government and private sector is needed for the country to protect the environment and to reduce carbon dioxide emission by 40% before 2020, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said.
He said one of the initiatives the Government should implement was a reward and punishment system.
“To provide impetus for increased involvement in green tech, MCA has proposed that firms or industries that play their part for the environment or development of green technology be rewarded.
“If they do not fulfil certain green initiatives, they should be punished.
“But if they meet the criteria, they should be given incentives,” he said in his speech at the “All I Want Is An EcoGreen Christmas Forum” at the National Science Centre yesterday.
Dr Chua said that by going green, some companies could also make profits, citing an example of a factory in China that installed solar panels in its building and stored the solar power in a battery for winter.
He said large companies and factories should allocate a certain amount under their Corporate Social Responsibility budget for green activities.
“The private sector should adopt a green corporate culture such as planting trees, installing solar panels and reusing paper,” he said.
He said people must also be more proactive by adopting an environment-friendly lifestyle.
Dr Chua felt the Government should also come up with a green procurement policy of favouring eco-friendly products, adding that green activities should be taught in schools.
Dr Chua urged youths to be committed and enthusiastic in saving the environment.
He relayed his own experience in the difficulties faced in finding funds for the Endau-Rompin National Park Nature Education and Research Centre when he was the State Environment and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman in Johor for nine years.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen, who closed the event, said she hoped that youths be action-orientated by practising “individual social responsibility” such as volunteering their time for green activities.
“Change must come from the young people because you will inherit Malaysia and the world,” she said.
