Sustainable development vital for future

Sustainable development vital for future
07/06/2005 The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Sustainable development is vital for future generations, as Malaysia’s population is expected to grow to 35 million by the year 2020.

Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk S. Sothinathan said Malaysia would be in “serious trouble” if the concept of sustainable development was not understood.

“We need to live within our means and avoid causing long-term or irreversible degradation to the environment by our use or abuse of natural resources and environment.

“Failure to do so will jeopardise further development, disrupt economic growth and affect the health and quality of Malaysian lives,” he said in his speech in launching the three-day National Conference and Exhibition on Sustainability Malaysia 2005 at Putra World Trade Centre yesterday.

Sothinathan said his ministry could not shoulder the responsibility alone and must involve coordinated efforts from all Government ministries.