Some 40 community leaders from across the Belait District gained a better understanding and appreciation on the efforts to protect the world’s ozone layer as part of a national briefing held yesterday at a hotel in Kuala Belait.
This year’s theme focuses on the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer, an international treaty ratified in 1989 to phase out the production of numerous substances responsible for ozone depletion.
Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation’s (JASTRe) environment officer Hajah Suryanti Jurinah binti Haji Mohammad Jumin and ozone officer from the National Ozone Unit Mohammad Ali Wafee bin Zainee delivered an introductory talk on the Montreal Protocol to the attendees, comprising penghulu and village heads as well as mukim and village consultative members.
Meanwhile, ozone officer Nur ‘Atiyah Hana binti Kaflee discussed the best practices in using flammable gases, while Zulfadli bin Abu Bakar from the Energy Efficiency and Savings Unit of the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office spoke about various standards and labelling related to energy efficiency.
Fire and Rescue Department station officer Ali bin Haji Amlee gave a short briefing on fire safety certification and the fire safety order.
Organised by JASTRe, the briefing was held in conjunction with World Ozone Day observed annually on September 16 highlighting the commitment and responsibility of each United Nations (UN) member nation to protect the Earth’s ozone layer.
The event aimed to celebrate more than three decades of commitment and efforts made by nations including Brunei Darussalam to protect and restore the ozone layer and preserve public health and the environment from the effects of increased ultraviolet light exposure.
In addition, the talks also equipped community leaders with essential knowledge on ozone-depleting substances and their effects, guiding community leaders towards better alternatives. – Daniel Lim
