BINTULU: The Bintulu Sustainability Awards and Seminar 2024 (BiSA) is an important benchmark in Bintulu’s efforts to achieve sustainable development.
Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) general manager Datuk Muhamad Yakup Kari said BiSA 2024 is the first initiative that is in line with the BDA Strategic Plan 2024-2030, the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles.
He said BiSA aims to reward the industrial, business, school, community and individual sectors that show high commitment to sustainability practices and sustainable development in Bintulu.
“BiSA is not only to recognise achievements, but also to empower every level of society to be more focused in realising environmentally, economically and socially responsible practices.
“BiSA is an important initiative to ensure that Bintulu not only grows rapidly in terms of economy but also as an example in the application of sustainability principles, which is important in facing the challenges of climate change.”
Muhamad Yakup said this when speaking at the BiSA 2024, which was officiated by Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government I, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil at a hotel here, today (Dec 2).
According to him, a total of six categories were contested in BiSA 2024, covering large, medium and small businesses, primary and secondary schools, communities and individuals with 42 entries that were carefully assessed by the evaluation panel.
“Participants are required to demonstrate implementation strategies in promoting sustainability and decarbonisation initiatives in their respective fields.”
Meanwhile, Muhamad Yakup said Bintulu has the potential to become a Low Carbon Industry Hub by 2030, with support from all parties.
“Sustainability is not only about the environment, but also about economic opportunities and social development. BiSA is the first step in realising this vision.”
In this regard, he encouraged participants to actively discuss and exchange views to further strengthen efforts to make Bintulu a low-carbon industrial hub by 2030.
Apart from the awards, the event also featured a seminar session involving seven guest speakers from various leading agencies and universities, including the Sarawak Tropical Peatland Research Institute, Sarawak Premier’s Department, Iskandar Regional Development Authority, Tokyo Agricultural University, Japan, Malaysia Green and Climate Technology Corporation and the Johor State Education Department.
