MALAYSIA: 'More campaigns on our forestry practices needed'
Copyright 2001
New Straits Times (Malaysia)
October 18, 2001
KUALA LUMPUR, Wed. - More "vigorous" awareness campaigns must be carried out internationally to counter the negative notions concerning the tropical forest and its products. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that
negative perceptions of our forests, its management and its products must be countered using all possible means.
"This includes using the Internet to inform the whole world about our sustainable forest management methods," he said.
Speaking at the launch of the Forestry Department's centenary
celebration here tonight, he said many around the world had wrong ideas about forestry in Malaysia due to an incorrect picture painted by some non-governmental organisations.
He also urged forestry officials to enhance their knowledge and learn new and technologically-advanced methods of forest management to maximise output.
"There is a huge potential in the biotechnology industry which must be tapped as we have all the required resources, particularly a vast tropical forest which is rich in various genetic resources.
"I'm sure the biotechnology industry will be able to grow further and emerge as an important revenue earner," he said.
Abdullah also reiterated the Government's stand on forest management, saying that apart from contributing economically, forests were also vital in maintaining the environment and a healthy eco-system.
During the function, Abdullah also launched a pictorial book, Sustaining Our Green Heritage, and a first-day cover to commemorate the department's 100th anniversary.
Earlier, Primary Industries Minister Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik, in his speech urged Forestry department officials to improve their understanding of the sustainable forest management system that is practised in the country.