Priority on environment and people issues in 2024, say activists

PETALING JAYA: Activists and environmental groups hope 2024 can bring more successes in overcoming issues affecting the people and the environment.

Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association (Miasa) president Anita Abu Bakar said it hopes to highlight to the government the issues related to non-communicable diseases affecting Malaysians, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease among others.

“We are hoping to focus more on community empowerment, development and suicide prevention and intervention as well,” she said.

Anita also said it was important to amplify the voices of marginalised communities and treat them with care and compassion.

“We hope for transformative change to be realised in Malaysia in 2024, where the voices of these people are amplified, their dignity protected and rights granted,” she said. Anita said Miasa won the Productivity Champion and Top Healthcare Management Award in 2023.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation chief executive officer Zolkipli Mohamad Aton hoped that conservation of Sarawak’s wildlife and habitats will continue strongly in 2024.

He said this was in line with the state’s Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 which emphasises on promoting a green economy, and managing economic progress with respect for the ecology.

“We envision a world where wildlife and humanity coexist in seamless harmony, where the principles of conservation and development are not just aligned but are fundamentally complementary.

“This ideal is the cornerstone of our approach, ensuring a balanced and sustainable future for all,” he said.

Zolkipli expressed his happiness that Sarawak Forestry Corporation was voted in as part of the United Nation’s Great Apes Survival Project executive committee and co-chaired the GRASP council in 2023.

Malaysia Independent Living Association for Disabled (Milad) chairman Sia Siew Chin said it was proud to achieve multiple milestones in 2023 and looked forward to continue assisting people with disabilities.

She said Milad plans to purchase an additional van to enhance its transport services for wheelchair users.

“Throughout 2023, we successfully completed over 200 service trips, assisting individuals with disabilities to go to hospitals, clinics, government offices, events, job interviews and various shopping destinations,” she said.