LIPIS: Elements of environmental sustainability should be given priority by the Pahang government in its efforts to explore new state resources, reminded the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, who is also the Sultan of Pahang, said while moving forward towards developing the state, its existing products and nature's treasure must be safeguarded for the future generation.
"Pahang is a huge state and we are fortunate because there are a lot of attractions including hill stations, beaches, national parks and caves that we can be proud of. I would like to remind the state government that in pursuit of exploring new resources, elements related to environmental sustainability should also be emphasised.
"In developing the state, we have to take care of the resources and protect them for our children, and grandchildren. We cannot compromise on the matter.
"We must not be too ambitious or pursue rapid development. Instead, we should carry them out in stages or phases. The local authority at district level should be careful when giving approval to projects in Pahang," he said in his speech at the proclamation ceremony of Lipis as a National Geopark at Taman Negara Sungai Relau Tree Top Walk here today.
Meanwhile,Al-Sultan Abdullah said while the focus was on maintaining the environment, town areas across Pahang should not be neglected.
"Towns should be given the necessary attention, kept clean and the people continue to live in harmony… do not only safeguard the environment but the towns are not given proper attention.
"When I return to Pahang next month (after his term as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong ends), I will visit each district and town (in Pahang). Town areas should be kept clean to ensure there are no infections or outbreaks in Pahang," he said.
On Lipis district recognised as a National Geopark, Al-Sultan Abdullah congratulated the Pahang government for the special focus on preserving the environment and hopes that development carried out within the site will be based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) values.
The Lipis district was certified as the country's current largest National Geopark by the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (NRECC) on Nov 9 last year.
The 5,408 square kilometre Lipis Geopark encompasses the entire district, containing 28 geological heritage sites, 18 cultural sites and six biological heritage sites.
Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change deputy minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii.