We need more Gurmit Singh !!!

“Don’t play play! Gurmit Singh is the best in Malaysia, and some said in Asia!”

I came across this article last two months in the Star Paper (click here). It is about a gentleman that tried his very best to protect the environment for the sack of our children future.

Gurmit Singh is better-known as an environmentalist and a social activist. He has organized various seminars, workshops, and forums to address the environmental issues in Malaysia. Currently, he is the Chairman of the Centre for the Environment, Technology and Development, Malaysia (CETDEM), an non-profit organization that provide consultation on improving environmental quality through use of technology and sustainable development.

In the article, Gurmit Singh commented that Malaysian are not willing to act “beyond me & mine” on environmental issues. He mentioned that although the environmental awareness among Malaysian has improved but it is not enough. I simply agree with his statement as we can see, the rivers are still in the polluted condition. Programmes and campaigns such as “Cintailah Sungai Kita” have not improved our rivers significantly. More efforts should be taken from all the parties involve.

On answering the question on what project that he will stop if he can travel back in time, the answer given was the Proton car project. The project has increased the air pollution, road and highways congestion, and noise pollution. One of the consequences was the public transport system was neglected.

This is true in sense that we are facing heavy traffic jam every time in prime locations and peak hours. Monitoring of air pollution index in KL area showed a clear trend that combustion gas pollutant (SO2 and NO2) are at the highest peak in the morning 8 a.m and night 8 p.m. due to the high volume of cars in the road. If the situation is not curb properly, it can be worse and we will live in fear of getting respiratory diseases.

On plastic bags issue, he suggested that more commitment should be put in by the stakeholders such as operators of supermarket to charge stiff amount at ALL the time for the issuance of plastic bags. He also encourage shoppers to bring along their own recyclable bags or containers when shop. In my opinion, plastic is there for us to use, but we must use it properly at a minimum usage and recycle it as many as possible.

Mr. Gurmit Singh has poured in tremendous effort to promote sustainable development and create awareness on environmental issues. We need more of this kind of people in the world so that the world can be “green” and sustain our next generation. Ohaiyo, let do our part in saving our planet!