I think that the current local policy of not taxing diesel (unlike petrol which is highly taxed) and charging a fixed 'diesel tax' (pegged to the annual road tax), promotes fuel waste and is as such, an unsatisfactory policy.
(National fuel subsidies in Malaysia are of course likewise, but a far worse situation, serving to encourage the unrealistic use of fuel, incidentally compromising the national treasury through pilferage and waste. http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/index.php/malaysia/45946-fuel-cap-for-foreign-cars-within-50km-of-border )
Despite the prevailing national interest in promoting business and industry through lowering business costs, the current global predictions of severe climate changes to come require urgent consideration by all parties about their petro-chemical use policies.
Further environmental degradation, severe climatic extremes and a polluted living environment await humanity should it persist in putting profits before principle.
Diesel vehicles are known to be more polluting although their CO2 emissions are lower compared to equivalent petrol versions. "Diesel exhaust has been linked in numerous scientific studies to cancer, the exacerbation of asthma and other respiratory diseases," http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=40556&pg=3&vf=0
Thus, I believe that the government in this world cannot dismiss the current impending global environmental crisis; the status quo of sole and selfish consideration of protecting profits at all costs has become environmentally unsustainable. Much more consideration in terms of research and consultation needs to be done.
Failure to act now is a betrayal of the world and an insult to our children.
References:
ST forum (27Dec09) “Another undesirable habit is drivers letting their car engines idle while waiting.”: http://comment.straitstimes.com/showthread.php?t=28444
- - - -Home > Think > Story, Dec 27, 2009
YOUR LETTERS
What about styrofoam containers?
Last Sunday's column, 'The bad bag habit', faults only the humble plastic bag as 'ungreen' and a carbon emissions culprit.
Although I agree we could all do with fewer plastic bags, I find that they are not always the villain they are made out to be.
For example, plastic bags may be reused for storing meat in our freezers, to bag trash, or as gloves, before finally being thrown away.
In fact, there are other undesirable products and behaviour that are not environmentally friendly.
For example, styrofoam cups, bowls and take-away containers are worse for our environment and should be banished. They are non-biodegradable, and worse, they are bulky and quite useless for reuse in other purposes.
Since they were introduced some years back, these styrofoam boxes and cups have quickly spread and taken root in the food and beverage industry, with coffee shops, food centres and even durian sellers using them.
The packaging becomes quite a nuisance as it often turns into windblown litter.
I have often seen these light styrofoam bowls and cups blown helter-skelter on tables, tipping and rolling over and spilling their contents onto the tables and floors.
Another undesirable habit is drivers letting their car engines idle while waiting.
From the very large vehicles to the smallest car, one can easily see them on our roads.
I have come across many cases of drivers running their car engines for more than half an hour.
I wonder whether the National Environment Agency has any concerted programme to discourage this and enforce its rules.
Chan Wai Chong
http://www.straitstimes.com/Think/Story/STIStory_470777.html
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