| James Kon |
THE importance of volunteerism, conserving Brunei’s forests and maintaining the cleanliness of the environment was highlighted by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin yesterday morning during the Commonwealth Big Lunch beach cleanup and tree planting event at Berakas Beach, Berakas Forest Reserve.
The activity was organised in celebration of the Commonwealth and the local community, as well as to build connections.
Speaking before 200 volunteers, the minister said, “The reason why we are here today is because of environmental conservation, due to global warming and its impact to the environment. I am glad to see the youth present today to participate in this conservation initiative.”
The minister commended member of the Legislative Council, YB Khairunnisa binti Haji Ash’ari, who “is always championing the conservation cause”, encouraging her to “keep up the good work”.
“The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports will continue to support her efforts,” the minister said.
“Volunteerism has been raised many times during the Legislative Council sessions. I can see the spirit of volunteerism here among the youth,” said the minister. “It is real and I encourage you all to keep up this good spirit. The impact that volunteers have made on society, the people and the country has been a huge, positive one.”
Commenting on Brunei’s forests, the minister added, “We must ensure that our forests are conserved… Presently 70 per cent of our forests are still pristine. This makes us unique and different from other countries.”
The minister also emphasised the pertinence of inculcating a culture of caring about the cleanliness of the environment and a habit of not littering.
“We Bruneians are clean people and we must show people from overseas that we like to maintain cleanliness in our surroundings,” he said.
The minister thanked the British High Commission in Brunei Darussalam and local non-governmental organisations such as Green Brunei, Beach Bunch and Hand4Hand, as well as other volunteers for organising the beach cleanup, tree planting and Commonwealth Big Lunch.
Source: Borneo Bulletin