New township: (From left) Miss Universe Malaysia 2012 Kimberley Ann Estrop- Leggett, Lee, Chor and Tan looking at a residential model during The Star Property Fair 2011 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Friday.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has approved a green neighbourhood and low carbon city framework and assessment system aimed at reducing the nation's carbon emissions.
Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Chor Chee Heung said the guidelines would bring the country a step closer to achieving the goal of reducing its carbon footprint by 40% by 2020 as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in Copenhagen last year.
“We are going all out to push the guidelines.
“Studies have shown that urbanisation contributes more than 50% of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Our small cities and townships are getting bigger,'' Chor said after launching The Star Property Fair 2011 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre yesterday.
Also present were Star Publications (M) Bhd executive deputy chairman Datuk Vincent Lee and chief events officer Iris Tan.
A Cabinet paper on the guidelines was approved yesterday, said Chor, adding that it was a joint collaboration between his ministry and the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry.
The guidelines, which would be distributed to local authorities, would promote 3R (reduce, reuse and recyle) practices as well as other environmental-friendly policies.
“We hope developers will help spur green neighbourhoods by providing more cycling and walking paths to reduce vehicle use.
“The guidelines are not compulsory but it makes good business sense to do it,” he said.
Chor also congratulated The Star for organising the property fair which had not only attracted developers but lifestyle companies as well.
“It is fair to say that The Star Property Fair is by far the largest. Congratulations for a fantastic job.”
On errant developers, Chor reiterated that the amendments to the Housing Development (Control and Licensing Act) 1966 would ensure “fly-by-night” operators are severely dealt with.
The Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon, would see errant developers facing criminal charges and jail sentences for abandoning housing projects.
The Star Property Fair 2011 is open from 11am to 7pm and ends tomorrow. Entrance is free.
By The Star
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