Development must be beneficial without compromising the environment

MIRI, 5 Oct: Development in Miri must move along with sustainable efforts to ensure economic growth, technological progress and improvement of the quality of life of society can be achieved in a balanced manner, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

Clearly, sustainable development does not mean stopping development, but rather ensuring that the progress achieved benefits society without neglecting the environment.

"We need to create current opportunities while protecting the environment, building infrastructure while improving quality of life and embracing new technologies so that development continues to benefit communities", he said during the 2026 JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award Awards Banquet here, last night.

He said that approach is becoming increasingly important as Miri expands from a city heavily dependent on the oil and gas industry to a more diversified economy, including the tourism, services, education, healthcare, digital economy, technology and logistics sectors.

He, who is also a Member of the State Legislative Assembly (ADUN) Senadin said that the principle of sustainability should be applied in the transport sector, among others by promoting the use of public transport to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

He said the use of hydrogen buses in Sarawak as well as efforts to explore development of sustainable aviation fuels are among the steps towards a cleaner and more environmentally friendly transport system.

He also called for efforts to address the issue of enhanced waste management through cooperation with local authorities and education to the community on proper waste disposal methods.

"If we organize awards and introduce sustainability ideas but we don't implement them ourselves, it doesn't make sense.

"We have to practice what we say", he added.

He also said that sustainability is not a mere responsibility of governments or large companies, but rather requires the involvement of the private sector, government agencies, NGOs and communities.

A total of 29 finalists received recognition through JCI Malaysia Sustainable Development Award 2026, and he hopes that the recognition will be an incentive for them to continue and expand initiatives that have a community impact. - TVS