MSJCE Moving Towards Tackling Environmental And Sustainability Issues Together

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 (Bernama) -- Various issues relevant to environment and sustainability were exchanged and reviewed along with the progress achieved by the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on Environment (MSJCE), which met on Nov 26.

In a joint statement today, the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment of Singapore  (MSE) and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability of Malaysia (NRES) said among the issues viewed was the control of vehicular emissions where both Ministers agreed to continue exchanging information on such policies regularly and work closely to improve air quality in both countries.

"The Ministers (also) recognised that it was important to maintain good water quality in the Straits of Johor and committed to continue the joint efforts in water quality monitoring.

"The Ministers welcomed the 13th Chemical Spill Exercise conducted on July 26 2023 at the Second Crossing and highlighted that such joint exercises were important for both sides to have swift and efficient responses to chemical spill incidents.

Singapore will be hosting the next chemical spill exercise in 2025," according to the joint statement for the 33rd Malaysia-Singapore Annual Exchange of Visits (MSAEV).

Besides that, the good collaboration between both countries in oil spill response was also welcomed to minimise the impact of oil spill on the environment and biodiversity.

Collaboration between the Singapore Environment Institute (SEI) and the Environment Institute of Malaysia (EiMAS) was also looked at by both Ministers for exchanging training opportunities and resources to forge a closer partnership and strengthen environmental capacity and awareness for officers.

Apart from that, the Ministers also agreed to continue exchanging information on the monitoring of ecology and morphology in and around the Straits of Johor, with the aim of conserving the marine biodiversity of both countries.

The Ministers also exchanged some information and discussed on land reclamation works affecting the environment in the Straits of Johor and their potential adverse transboundary impact.

"The Ministers agreed that it is important for Singapore and Malaysia to continue to fulfil their respective obligations under international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2005 Settlement Agreement.

"They also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to monitor, exchange information on, and discuss matters affecting the environment in the Straits of Johor," read the statement.

From Nov 26 to Nov 27, NRES Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad visited Singapore for MSAEV between the environment ministries of both countries, upon the invitation by MSE Minister, Grace Fu.

"Since 1979, the MSAEV has facilitated closer ties and cooperation between the two ministries in environment-related matters,” according to the statement.

The Malaysia delegation led by Nik Nazmi  comprising Secretary-General Datuk Dr Ching Thoo Kim, senior officials from NRES, Department of Environment and other government agencies, also visited the Marina Barrage, the Sustainable Singapore Gallery and Gardens by the Bay, as part of the MSAEV programme.

The Singapore delegation was led by Grace Fu comprising Permanent Secretary Stanley Loh, senior officials from the MSE, National Environment Agency and other government agencies.

-- BERNAMA