Datuk Amar James Wong Is Recipient Of Langkawi Award 2001
Sarawak's former Environment and Public Health Minister, Datuk Amar James Wong Kim Min, has been awarded the prestigious Langkawi Award 2001 for outstanding contribution to environmental protection. The Langkawi Award was introduced by the Malaysian government in 1991 to commemorate the signing of the Langkawi Declaration on Environment by Heads of Commonwealth countries (CHOGM) which met in Langkawi, Kedah on 18 - 24 October 1989. The award, comprising a commemorative plague, certificate and RM10,000 cash, is accorded by the Malaysian government to give recognition to deserving Malaysians for outstanding contribution to the environment through the promotion of public participation in the protection of the environment, and resolving specific environmental problems that could have a significant impact at the local and global levels.
Datuk Amar James Wong, 79, is the tenth recipient of the prestigious award since it was introduced in 1991. His excellent contribution to environmental protection and conservation of the State's biodiversity equated his contribution towards politics. As Environment and Public Health Minister, he drew up strategies and programmes to ensure the effectiveness and continuity of environmental protection and wildlife conservation in the State. He was chairman of the State Select Committee on Flora and Fauna from 1987 to 1992, which among other things appointed community leaders like honorary wildlife rangers.
He had an entrenched love for wildlife and was also concerned about the survival of sea turtles. He launched the 'reefball' project and turtles satellite tracking system to help increase their population. He also implemented conservation measures to control the declining population of sparrows and bats in the State, especially in the historical Niah Caves. The conservation programme launched in 1996 has helped increase their population to this day. Due to his lobbying, several areas in the State were gazetted as wildlife sanctuaries. To date, there are 11 national parks, two protected wildlife centres and three wildlife sanctuaries.
In receiving the award, Datuk Amar James Wong said: "I cannot express how surprised and honoured I am to be given this prestigious award. This is something that came out of the blue. I had not expected it." He was, however, delighted to know that his effort in the field of environmental preservation has been recognised and appreciated by his peers and fellow countrymen. He said he was receiving the honour not only for himself but also for Sarawak and its people, and for those who had worked with him for the past 14 years in various organisations to conserve the environment.
Datuk Amar James Wong served as the State's Environment and Tourism Minister from 1987 to 1994, Environment and Housing Minister from 1995 to 1997 and as Environment and Public Health Minister from 1998 until September 2001. He said that although he has retired from public life, as a Malaysian and concerned citizen, he would continue to remain active and assist his successors to carry on the good work for the environment.
