In this era of modernization and urbanization, development is growing in a rapid pace.

Skyscrapers mushroom every day, trees are cut and big cities emerge in every part of the state. Unfortunately, Industrial and Technological Revolution gives a great impact on the planet and one thing that we cannot deny is pollution. We should be aware of the impacts and willing to adopt more Earth-friendly lifestyle. The best way to reverse existing damage is by emphasizing on cleanliness. And that brings me today to share with you a topic, Clean State, Healthy Citizens.

Before I proceed, allow me to give some definitions. A clean state means a state which is free from rubbish, pollution and contamination. Whereas, healthy citizens can be defined as citizens who are good in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual condition, plus free from any sickness or disease.

My first indication, a clean state produces healthy citizens who can contribute productively. Terengganu is popular as a tourists destination. People from all over the world come not only to taste its delicious food, but to see the clean restaurants and environment that we offer. The clean white sandy beaches give a great appetizer when families go for picnics or tourists come to see turtles laying eggs. Ahaa I can see that you are imagining the breeze in Rantau Abang. Malaysia Association of Travel and Tour Agent (MATTA) declares that 2.8 million of tourists visited Terengganu last year.

Tourism industry showers the citizens of Terengganu with a lot of money. People selling mouth-watering food like satar and lemang, handicrafts, batik and silk. This is how hardworking and creative businessmen can make a great deal of profit while helping ensure the beauty and popularity of Terengganu. Besides, there will be more job opportunities and the government along the par is always upgrading the facilities which would benefit us too. If we go to some popular spots like Taman Syahbandar, no rubbish is seen, but in fact varieties of trees and flowers in colourful pots with enchanting lights. And the latest, ICT trees that combine natural features and technology. Isnt that amazing?

Allow me to continue with my second indication, a clean state leads to healthy-minded citizens. It is vital for a state to progress with healthyminded citizens who are ambitious, optimists and futurists. Cleanliness is the most essential element to mould good characteristics. A neat and tidy appearance, a kind soul and a heart with humanity and pride are the ingredients to have nations who are looking forward for the states development.

In Terengganu, every year we have cleanliness competition at state level that involves students throughout the state. It is to instill the cleanliness value in every students heart. The competition promotes students to beautify their schools. Hence, this will indirectly discipline students and there is no doubt Terengganu has become the national champion for UPSR examination for so many years. A clean surrounding boosts students to learn effectively and think wisely. A clean state grows children healthily and intelligently.

My third indication, a clean state generates unity, integrity and harmony among citizens. Healthy lifestyle is not only promoted in families but in the society as a whole. For instance, the campaign say no to smoking, is killing two birds with one stone. First, it prevents air pollution that is caused by smokes and land pollution that is caused by the cigarette guts. Second, it helps citizens to get rid of heart and lung disease. Healthy citizens with good respiration can learn, play and work together. In fact, to make the campaign successful, we work hand in hand regardless our races, religions or colours. Let me bring you to Pag. Cina in Kuala Terengganu where there are two dominant races living together, running business and at the same time they are maintaining the cleanliness and beautifying the town. Instead of making more money each day, they are creating peaceful and tranquil places to live in and consequently these places become tourists spots.

Last but not least, my fourth indication, a clean state develops healthy citizens with pride. Terengganu is rich with artifacts and monuments that become our pride and heritage. To name one, Bukit Puteri keeps a lot of historical evidence. Thus, the government preserves it to be clean at all time. In fact, on 30th July 2011, our minister Dato Seri Hj Ahmad Said had launched a Free dengue campaign and gotong-royong to emphasize the importance of cleanliness and health. This effort should be continued in future to ensure the mesmerizing of Bukit Puteri will be appreciated by the next generations. All in all, a clean state determines healthy citizens, who will erect a wall of people as heirs of freedom, to develop the state effectively and live peacefully. With that, I thank you.