ENVIRONMENTAL protection is equally important when it comes to development.
“We must strike a balance between economic growth and environmental protection.
“When policies are made, it is important that the environment is considered,” Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
Chow said the green agendas discussed at the meeting earlier on Friday (Aug 23) could help further accerate economic and social transformation in less developed areas in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
“Among the agendas highlighted were the formalisation of IMT-GT (Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle) Green Council structure, the finalisation of Terms of Reference (ToR) for Green Cities Mayor Meeting, the appointment of environmental portfolios; and the implementation of Sustainable Urban Development Framework Roundtable Discussion with Ministers and development partners in the 25th IMT-GT Ministerial Meeting which will take place in Krabi, Thailand in September this year (2019),” he said.
Chow was speaking at the dinner function at Parkroyal Penang Resort on Friday (Aug 23).
He also shared the state’s vision – Penang2030 – A Family-focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation.
“Every level of stakeholders are invited to participate in discussions with the Government, especially those that the Government aims to implement.
Chow hoped that the IMT-GT would continue to grow, improve living standards and promote regional integration.
Also present at the dinner function were Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, state Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Joining them were Centre for IMT-GT (CIMT) director Firdaus Dahlan and the governor of Pattani, Thailand Kraison VisitVong.
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Chan Kok Kuan