Ang Lai Soon said the world’s present population was about 7.4 billion and was forecasted to reach 11.2 billion by 2050, with India possibly the most populous, followed by China, and Nigeria the third.

“Ecological Footprint data suggests that even now three to four planets similar to Earth would be needed to support the current population at USA consumption levels.

“Even with present population levels, the world has yet to counter our adverse effects on the climate and environment,” he said in a statement.

He added that the New Year was not only a time to celebrate but also a time to reflect on Malaysians’ good fortune and take a calculated look not only in the short-term future of the coming year but the longer term demanded of a finite planet, a finite environment, and finite resources.

“This, the most important day in the year for every ethnic Malaysian Chinese, is one when we can allow ourselves to be proud of our contribution to the harmony and prosperity our nation enjoys,” he said, adding that all (Malaysians) must make a pledge to contribute to the common good and to the wellbeing of the less fortunate, the deprived, the disabled and the underprivileged in society besides eschewing extremism in all its forms.

— BERNAMA