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Brunei to keep pace with rapid development while protecting environment

Xinhua, March 1, 2015 Adjust font size:

A rapid development would be meaningless if the environment is degraded, Brunei's Minister of Industry and Primary Resources YB Pehin Dato Hj Yahya has made the remarks in an interview with state-run Radio Television Brunei (RTB), which was posted on its official website on Sunday.

The minister said the country still needs fertile land, fresh air and clean drinking water as well as unpolluted coastal waters. Although Brunei Darussalam has enjoyed progress within a 31-year period, the development has not degraded the condition of the country's natural resources.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Yahya explained that during the 31 years since independence, the ministry has managed to safeguard the country's forests and oceans. While making progress and pursuing development, the country is proud to be able to keep its forests and green environment.

"Our forested areas are not largely affected by the development activities, with our natural environment still intact, our sea waters still clean and clear, and the air we breathe still healthy ", said the minister.

YB Pehin Dato Hj Yahya added that Brunei is among the top 10 countries that preserve their forests, where about 70 percent of the country's land area is still covered by forest. Apart from that, marine produce such as fish stocks from Brunei waters are still at a level that the country can be proud of. Endi