The Sultanate’s maritime community was applauded yesterday for adopting sustainable practices to ensure a cleaner and greener maritime industry.
Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maritime and Port Authority of Brunei Darussalam (MPABD) Captain Abdul Mateen Abdurrahman Liew highlighted this during the MPABD World Maritime Day 2023 Walkathon at the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Silver Jubilee Park in the capital.
The acting CEO also noted the significant role the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) plays in eliminating pollution by all harmful substances from ships to safeguard the marine environment.
He stressed the need to keep up with the global shifts in technology, meet environmental targets through sustainable practices, and most importantly, continue to shoulder the responsibility to the nation in supporting the growth of the Brunei economy through open, inclusive, and concerted efforts within the maritime sector.
“The World Maritime Day event is uniquely celebrated this year as it also coincides with MPABD’s sixth anniversary, which appropriately presents us with the opportunity to not only celebrate our milestones but also shed light on the importance of the World Maritime Day theme,” he said.
The acting CEO also shared the growing importance of the maritime industry, as it is responsible for transporting and delivering more than 95 per cent of global trade by volume, which is approximately 11 billion tonnes annually.
He also affirmed that the country is moving on an upward trajectory within the maritime sector with opportunities abound, and “it is important for everyone to continue to work together, to build on the industry capabilities, through collaboration, sharing of knowledge, and maintaining our existing relationships”.
Directing focus on the World Maritime Day celebration, the walkathon aimed to promote a healthy lifestyle through physical activities and the importance of taking time to exercise.
“Following a study published by the World Population Review 2023, Brunei currently marks the second highest obese population in Southeast Asia, at 14.1 per cent, with an average body mass index of 27 kilogrammes per square metre,” he said.
“The statistic is a stark reminder for us to pay more attention to our health and wellbeing, as it could lead to adverse health complications and risk of developing non-communicable diseases,” said Captain Abdul Mateen Abdurrahman Liew.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Pengiran Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, in her capacity as Deputy Chairperson of MPABD’s Board of Directors, attended the walkathon as the chief guest.
Following the theme ‘MARPOL at 50 – Our Commitment Goes On’, the walkathon aimed to raise awareness of the Sultanate’s commitment to the MARPOL, observing the important 50-year milestone in which Brunei’s maritime industry has supported the International Maritime Organisation in its efforts to address shipping’s impact on the environment. – Rokiah Mahmud
