SIBU: The Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) has called on all parties involved in the logging sector to play their part in environmental care and preservation activities.

NREB Sarawak deputy controller of Environmental Quality Justine Jok Jau Emang said economic development must not be done at the expense of the environment.

“It is undeniable that logging activities have a damaging effect on the environment.

“But it can be mitigated if logging companies comply with the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report or the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) issued by NREB.

“We will be blamed by our future generations if we fail to care for and preserve the environment,” he said when officiating at the closing of ‘Environmental Awareness Programme’ at Engkeramuh Camp and Raplex/Ironwall Camp in Kapit recently.

The programme was jointly organised by NREB and Ta Ann Holdings Berhad. It was attended by 200 of Ta Ann’s staff, contractors and its subsidiaries.

Among the activities carried out during the programme were talks on environmental awareness and EIA approval requirements for forestry by NREB Sibu Environment Control officer Dau Utau.

Others giving talk during the programme were Calvin Chin Yen Chih from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Sibu, Francis Gilbert from Kapit Health Department and Basa Gali from NREB Sibu.

Also present during the programme were Tanjung Manis Holdings Berhad operation manager James Tiong, Raplex Sdn Bhd operation manager Ambrose Sute and programme coordinator Edward Ambuas.