Page 388 - The Guide To Sarawak

386 USEFUL INFORMATION
Sarawak is committed to recognizing environmentally-friendly organisations. Here the CEO of Sarawak Energy Berhad receives the Chief Minister’s Environmental Award 2013 from then Chief Minister (now Governor) Tun Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud.
and the strengthening
of administrative and institutional mechanisms. Other government departments, local councils and the private sector also work together to minimize environmental impacts and conserve
the environment. Their efforts are acknowledged via the Chief Minister’s Environmental Award, which is awarded biennially in a variety of categories. The local media also helps to educate the public
and promote various international initiatives such as Earth Day and Earth Hour, in which many local companies and organizations participate.
Conservation & Protection Of Water Resources
The State has taken positive steps to protect
its raw water resources, including the setting
up of the State Water Resources Council, and the gazettement of important water catchment areas so that development activities can be regulated and
properly controlled.
So far, Sarawak has designated 1.09 million hectares (9% of the State’s total area) as water catchment areas. Two important studies have been carried out to
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Adenan Bin Haji Satem (now Chief Minister) delivering the welcoming speech for the Chief Minister’s Environmental Award 2013 presentation ceremony.