The Prime Minister said that the forum will
give the government an opportunity to reiterate its resounding pledge towards
environmental sustainability in the country as it deals with environmental
issues holistically. He also recognized the contribution by Yang Amat
Berbahagia Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi for bringing together 14 agencies from 4
different ministries when he established the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment in 2004 that paved the way for a more comprehensive and cohesive
approach in tackling environmental issues.
He added, "I am happy to see that MGF2010
has united leaders and experts from very diverse backgrounds on a platform
where environmental issues can be dealt with more holistically".
Malaysia is one of the countries with the
richest biodiversity in the world, prized with 16 million hectares of tropical
forest area, which covers 60 per cent of the countries land area. Preservation
of this asset is the key to sustainability and the fact that over 73 per cent
of the total forest area in this country is currently protected as national
parks.
The government will consistently affirmed its
commitment to environmental sustainability and continue to take cognizance of
the growing need and urgency of green technology towards sustainable
development.
