Environmental preservation is every person’s duty, says Taiping zoo director


Dr Lazarus (fifth from left) at the launch of the Taiping Wildlife Talk.
ALL parties, from local communities to the industrial sector, must play their role to protect the environment especially in relation to waste management.

Taiping Zoo and Night Safari director Dr Kevin Lazarus said it was imperative that everyone contributes.

“People should not rely only on local councils or the government.

“The industrial sector should not think of profits only but also ensure the well-being of the local community by preserving resources and protecting the environment,” he said when opening the Taiping Wildlife Talk.

Dr Lazarus said it was regrettable that participation for environment programmes was generally poor.

“The involvement of residents, traders and community is still low.”

Since December last year, he said the Taiping Municipal Council had taken steps to ban the use of polystyrene and plastic containers among its employees and at premises under its purview.

“The campaign will be extended to other premises, including hawker stalls.

“It will then be expanded to the entire district, including night markets, recreational parks and during official functions,” he said.

Dr Lazarus added that people should stop using polystyrene and single-use plastics as these materials are proven to be the main cause of environmental issues such as clogged drains, pollution in rivers and the sea and pose a threat to wildlife and even humans,” he added.

On another matter, Dr Lazarus noted that Malaysia was recognised as one of 17 mega biodiversity countries.

He said the country was blessed with a rich diversity of flora and fauna and valuable forest resources.

“The forest is important as it provides an eco-system for water and land conservation and mitigates the effects of global warming.

“The forest is also a biological treasure trove for the food, pharmaceutical and other industries,” he said.

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