‘Going Green’ is the new way to go, Green Minister tells youngsters

TENOM: Dr Maximus Ongkili has urged the younger generation to play their role in promoting green lifestyle, stressing that ‘going green’ is the new way to go.

The Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) minister stressed that it is vital for every individual to embrace the green lifestyle, as the nation marches towards green growth.

“Economic development based on sustainability is vital. We need to protect our jungle, water and other resources to ensure sustainable supply to meet the needs of the people. Our decisions today will affect tomorrow’s future.

“As such, we call for everyone’s participation, be it from the government, private sector, non-governmental organisations or the people, to ensure our objective to conserve and promote green lifestyle would run smoothly,” said Ongkili at the launching of second series of the Jelajah Yayasan Hijau (Jelajah YaHijau) for Sabah, here Saturday.

He said apart from the existing efforts, KeTTHA has also established its TN50 Green, which is part of the National Transformation 50 (TN50) programme, an initiative to plan for the future of Malaysia in the period 2020 to 2050, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak last year.

“The TN50 Green programme is currently implemented through the bottom-up method where feedbacks are being compiled from the people, especially the younger generation, in line with the motto – ‘green and sustainable future’.

The Jelajah YaHijau Sabah series made its first stop in Sabah at Kota Marudu on July 15 this year. A similar programme was also held in Sarawak last year.

YaHijau is a foundation set up to promote green lifestyle and technology in a move to make it a way of life among Malaysians.

YaHijau was established following an announcement made during the tabling of Budget 2014 by Prime Minister, with a launching fund of RM15 million .

Also at the event were Radin Malleh, Rural Development minister cum Melalap Assemblyman, Madiyem Layapan, the Tenom District Officer and Amin Abdullah, YaHijau Malaysia Chief Executive Officer.