LAHAD DATU: Sustainable management of the environment is a collective responsibility, said Silam member of parliament Datuk Haji Datu Nasrun Haji Datu Mansur.
“We can start with making small yet impactful positive lifestyle changes to help the environment,” he stressed to the 200-strong crowd at the launch of the “Lahad Datu Awareness Programme: Sustainable Environmental Management” last Saturday at Sekolah Kebangsaan Lahad Datu II.
“For example, we can reduce encroachment and poaching in forest reserves by not buying wild meat and products made from wildlife,” he said.
The awareness programme, held in a district that is home to conservation sites such as Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin Wildlife Reserve, was held in conjunction with World Wildlife Day which falls on March 3 every year.
It was organised by the Lahad Datu anti-poaching task force, a district-based committee which is chaired by Lahad Datu district officer Iman bin Ali.
Amongst the highlights of the event were presentations on wildlife conservation and sustainable environmental management practices by Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah Forestry Department. There was also a presentation by the Royal Malaysia Police on firearms ownership, usage and offences.
Unlicensed firearms are frequently used by poachers caught encroaching forest reserves and other protected areas in Sabah.