Youths urged to conserve and preserve environment
KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun has urged the younger generation in the state to follow the steps and efforts of Miss Earth Sabah 2012 contestants in conserving and preserving the environment.
He said it was important as the issue now was not just on environment awareness alone but a collective action from all levels of the community.
“It is hoped that the finalists will express their commitment and play a proactive role in addressing the environment issues,” he said, adding that Miss Earth Sabah 2012 is a platform where the finalists could get the chance to gain environmental knowledge and would keep the lessons that they learn for a lifetime, while sharing this knowledge with their families and friends.
He also expressed his gratitude to the organising committee of Miss Earth Sabah, including Mandy Nandu, for organising various environmental green activities throughout the pageant week.
He said he highly supported such activities, especially the No Plastic Bag Challenge which would spur initiative and creativity to a higher level to save our planet and us.
“The drive to stop the unnecessary use of plastics is very challenging but what the finalists do can be a starting point for a plastic-free lifestyle among the public.
“What motivates me is to see how the finalists and society in general are eager to claim personal responsibility and take action.
“I believe that these finalists are role models and ambassadors to lead our community, and the younger generation of today need to be more proactive in protecting the environment.
“They can therefore be a part of the solution in making such a big difference to our environment,” he said.
Masidi’s speech was read by Environment Protection Department deputy director Dr Jammy Gabriel during the Miss Earth Sabah 2012 press conference at Pacific Sutera here yesterday.
Meanwhile, MNE Production director Mandy Nandu said Miss Earth Sabah 2012 aimed to educate the young girls in Sabah to help create awareness for themselves, their families and the community to be more serious in saving and protecting the environment.
“With its slogan ‘Beauties Nurturing Nature’, this event plays its main objective in promoting environmental awareness,” she said.
“To date, our representatives from Sabah have made us proud in two consecutive years, 2009 and 2010, by winning most of the major titles at national level and have also represented Malaysia at international level.
“Last year, our representative won the first runner-up title at national level. This has always been our dream to see more Sabahan girls achieve high accomplishments and introduce Sabah to the rest of the world. Not only that, we hope they will continue their role in helping raise awareness on the importance of keeping our environment green,” said Nandu.
Nandu said Miss Earth Sabah emphasizes strongly on environmental protections.
“Participants are not only required to attend various environmental activities but are also given the opportunity to practise and voice out their green thoughts and ideas, showcasing and promoting various tourist destinations in Sabah.”
The Miss Earth Sabah 2012 grand final is on June 16 at Grand Ballroom, Magellen Sutera Resort. Tickets are sold at RM200, RM300 and RM500 per person.
There will be some exciting lucky draws to be won, sponsored by Cebu Pacific Airlines.
The winner of Miss Earth Sabah 2012 will receive a cash prize of RM5,000, and a three-day-two-night travel on Star Cruises Libra for two from Penang-Phuket-Krabi-Penang.
The first runner-up will receive a cash prize of RM3,000, and a two-day-one-night travel on Star Cruise Pisces for two from Hong Kong, while the second runner-up will receive a cash prize of RM2,000, and a three-day-two-night stay at Maxims Hotel Resorts World Manila for two persons with dinner vouchers and exclusive balcony tickets to watch “The King and I” at Broadway Theatre, Manila.
The third runner-up will receive cash prize of RM1,000, and a three-day-two-night stay at the Remington Hotel Resorts World Manila for two, with dinner vouchers and exclusive balcony tickets to watch “The King and I” at Broadway Theatre in Manila.
All winners will receive products from the sponsors. The winner of Miss Earth Sabah 2012 will represent the state at the national level competition in Ipoh, Perak in July.
Source : Borneo Post
