Skip to content
Sahabat Alam Malaysia
  • Home
  • About
  • Programmes
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Shop
  • BMBM
  • Donate
  • Archive

Budget 2022 must advance sustainability thrust of economic recovery

  • Publication Date | October 8, 2021
  • Document Type | Letter to the Editor
  • Programmes | Development & Planning
  • Issues | Conservation, Deforestation, Development, Forest Conversions, International Treaties, Planning
  • Tags | Budget, Carbon, Carbon Tax, Circular Economy, Emissions Trading Scheme, Malaysia Plan, National Forestry Act 1984
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email
Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
PDF

The 12 Malaysia Plan (12MP) has emphasised ‘advancing sustainability’ as an important thrust in the country’s development trajectory, including in advancing a circular economy concept, going low carbon and increasing resilience against climate change and disasters. These are all needed aspirations for a much greener way forward in our economic recovery. However, realising them will, as a first step, require Budget 2022 to send the right signals and enable implementation of some of the measures to translate the 12MP into actions.  Some of the key enablers to drive the actions needed are as follows:

1. Increase provision of real incentives to States to protect natural ecosystems

The 12MP has recognised the conserving of natural ecosystems as an important priority strategy for advancing sustainability, which ensures that natural habitats are protected and ecologically connected. The conservation of terrestrial, inland water, coastal and marine areas are supposed to be enhanced, recognising that such initiatives will increase the resiliency and ability of ecosystems to continuously provide the multiple life-supporting functions and ecological services they perform, including in combating climate change and in maintaining precious water resources. 

To advance this priority strategy, Budget 2022 must increase the financial incentives and allocations to states to do what they must do. Without enhancing federal grants to states, our natural ecosystems will continue to be under threat of conversions for so-called development projects, that will gravely undermine the nation’s capacity to advance the sustainability agenda.

The 12MP does state that in order to incentivise states in their conservation efforts, the ‘Ecological Fiscal Transfer’ mechanism will be set up, as well as the strengthening of the ‘National Conservation Trust Fund’. These mechanisms need much more increased financial resources. 

One source of such finance is the ‘green sukuk’. SAM is encouraged to learn from the 12MP that in April 2021, the government issued the world’s first sovereign USD sustainability sukuk, which generated USD 1.3 billion and was oversubscribed. Other sources of funds are also available internationally for climate and biodiversity protection, which the government must tap into with increased urgency. 

Such financial incentives to states must be followed up with a revamp of the National Forestry Act (NFA) ’84 and other conservation laws, which includes the mandatory holding of public hearings prior to any degazettement of forest reserves and totally protected areas. The 12MP has alluded to urging states to do this, but a revamp of the NFA and other conservation laws is critical, for states then to apply them.   

2.  Going low carbon and increasing climate resilience

In our aspiration towards a low-carbon economy, the 12MP has recognised carbon pricing as an important tool, states that a feasibility study will be conducted on adopting policies such as a carbon tax and Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). 

Such a feasibility study is needed urgently into both these measures, and hopefully, Budget 2022 will make provision for this. SAM has in the past advanced the introduction of a carbon tax, and this has been under consideration by the government for a while now. 

Given the current Covid-pandemic impact on the economy, it is important to assess how to impose a carbon tax such that will not burden the poor and ensures that the biggest polluters are made to pay. The political appetite for a carbon tax may not exist now, but a feasibility study is needed so that it is introduced in the near future.

SAM however is very concerned about setting up an ETS, as the nation does not have any experience in doing this, where much regulation, monitoring and oversight is needed to avert fraud, speculation and mismanagement in carbon trading. Even the European ETS has drawn criticism and scrutiny. Serious consultations and debate are needed before embarking on such a venture. 

Also critical is to enhance resources in increasing the country’s resilience against climate change and disasters. The 12MP has identified the need to adopt integrated approaches for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Much more financial resources are needed to speed up the development and implementation of a national adaptation plan as well as in enhancing disaster preparedness and recovery. We cannot afford to delay action on this front, if we are to avert further calamities.

Floods in Long Laput in May 2021 | Courtesy of Mary Puyang, a resident of Long Laput

3. Circular economy 

In order to accelerate the transition to a circular economy as stressed in the 12MP, we must impose taxes and charges on a wide range of polluting products that have been introduced in many countries, such as for batteries, plastic bags, tyres, disposable products. High taxes must be imposed on single-use throwaway products in the interim, during a phase-out period, before eventually banning these items.

Deposit refund schemes can be imposed, primarily for food and beverage containers, where consumers are charged when a product is purchased and this charge is refunded when the product or packaging is returned.

4. Increasing resources to strengthen environmental governance

The 12MP has stressed the need to strengthen environmental governance, and we agree that this is indeed an urgent priority.

In this regard, much more additional financial resources are needed to enhance and strengthen the government agencies responsible for the enforcement and monitoring of the environment and natural resources, especially the Department of Environment. The environmental disasters that we have witnessed in recent times in relation to toxic pollution and waste require increased human and financial resources, including in the use of greater detection devices and technologies to nab environmental criminals.

These are just some of the areas that need the attention of the government in advancing the sustainability agenda.

Meenakshi Raman
President

Latest

Climate Change

The rush into ‘forest carbon credit’ will not help address climate change

This is a response to the Sarawak government’s most recent amendments to their Land Code and their Forestry Enactment, which mainly concern responses to address climate change.

Read More »
May 27, 2022
Pollution & Extractives

SAM shocked that EIA for lanthanide mining approved in Environmentally Sensitive Area 

SAM is shocked to learn of news that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the rare earth lanthanide mining project in Hulu Perak was

Read More »
May 24, 2022
Pollution & Extractives

NGOs urge all state governments to follow Selangor’s example and stop plastic waste imports                                                                                                         

This is a joint statement with allies working on plastic waste and trade Selangor’s Exco for State Tourism and Environment, YB Hee Loy Sian announced

Read More »
May 23, 2022
Development & Planning

Civil society groups express support for Sungai Ara residents’ case against Sunway Hills project on environmentally sensitive hills

Several civil society organisations in Penang have come together in a show of solidarity and support for the Sungai Ara residents, who have filed an appeal

Read More »
May 22, 2022

The rush into ‘forest carbon credit’ will not help address climate change

  • Publication Date | May 27, 2022
  • Document Type | Letter to the Editor
  • Programmes | Climate Change
  • Issues | Biodiversity, Forest Conversions, Indigenous Peoples, International Treaties, Land Rights, Plantations, REDD-plus
Read more

SAM shocked that EIA for lanthanide mining approved in Environmentally Sensitive Area 

  • Publication Date | May 24, 2022
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Pollution & Extractives
  • Issues | Indigenous Peoples, Mining & Extractives, Pollution, Toxics, Waste
Read more

NGOs urge all state governments to follow Selangor’s example and stop plastic waste imports                                                                                                         

  • Publication Date | May 23, 2022
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Pollution & Extractives
  • Issues | Pollution, Toxics, Waste
Read more

Civil society groups express support for Sungai Ara residents’ case against Sunway Hills project on environmentally sensitive hills

  • Publication Date | May 22, 2022
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Development & Planning
  • Issues | Development, Planning, Urban Development
Read more
Climate Change

The rush into ‘forest carbon credit’ will not help address climate change

Read More »
May 27, 2022
Pollution & Extractives

SAM shocked that EIA for lanthanide mining approved in Environmentally Sensitive Area 

Read More »
May 24, 2022
Pollution & Extractives

NGOs urge all state governments to follow Selangor’s example and stop plastic waste imports                                                                                                         

Read More »
May 23, 2022
Development & Planning

Civil society groups express support for Sungai Ara residents’ case against Sunway Hills project on environmentally sensitive hills

Read More »
May 22, 2022

Testimonials

Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah satu badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang telah sekian lama berjuang mempertahan kelestarian alam. Ia juga mendidik masyarakat tentang pentingnya kebersamaan dalam pemikiran dan tindakan agar alam ini dapat kita wariskan kepada generasi hadapan dalam keadaan yang elok dan terpelihara. Dalam pada itu juga SAM giat membantu golongan nelayan pantai dalam memperjuangkan hak-hak mereka sehinggalah tertubuhnya Persatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING). Nelayan pantai sepenuh masa ini dididik oleh SAM sehingga mereka mampu memainkan peranan sebagai pemimpin nelayan yang meneruskan kesinambungan memperjuangkan hak-hak nelayan pantai lainnya. Sebagai contoh SAM telah berjaya menyedarkan masyarakat nelayan keperluan menjaga hutan paya bakau untuk kebaikan hasil tangkapan nelayan itu sendiri.
Jamaluddin Mohamad Bualik
Jamaluddin Mohamad BualikPersatuan Pendidikan dan Kebajikan Jaringan Nelayan Pantai Malaysia (JARING)
During the 1980s, I used to read about the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) in the news. After retirement, some time in 2001, while lazing around, I read news about the construction of a carbon in leach plant using sodium cyanide to extract gold in Bukit Koman. My friends and I visited CAP and we were introduced to SAM and her legal team. We discussed the details of filing a case against the gold mining company and the department of environment with Ms Meenakshi Raman and her legal team. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship between lawyers from SAM and many of us from Bukit Koman. We had many ups and downs in our struggle to shut down the gold mine that was causing a nuisance in our village. But, as a community we never gave up because SAM had our backs.
Hue Fui How
Hue Fui HowSecretary, Bukit Koman Ban Cyanide in Goldmining Action Committee (BCAC)
Sahabat Alam Malaysia adalah sebuah NGO yang memperjuangkan nasib masyarakat luar bandar khasnya. SAM menerima aduan-aduan masyarakat dan menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi. SAM telah mewujudkan ramai aktivis-aktivis sosial dan alam sekitar. Pada era 1980 dan 90an SAM sangat dihormati oleh masyarakat dan agensi kerajaan. Apabila media sosial menguasai maklumat maka SAM pun terkesan dan masalah masyarakat terus disalurkan dengan pelbagai cara. SAM perlu mewujudkan aktivis-aktivis pelapis yang muda untuk terus membantu masyarakat. SAM juga perlu membuat perubahan supaya banyak turun kelapangan dan jangan mengharapkan laporan media sahaja. Tingkatkan prestasi sebagaimana pada zaman kegemilangan SAM di era 80-90an.
Che Ani Mt Zain
Che Ani Mt Zain
SAM taught me the importance of social activism and the role it plays in upholding the rights of people and the protection of the environment. In my experience, SAM has never hesitated to speak up in defence of people and their environment, and has gone the extra mile to champion their rights, by helping communities take their battles to the higher ups and even to the courts.
Jessica Binwani
Jessica BinwaniPublic/Private Interest Lawyer
Semenjak kami kenal SAM, banyak pengalaman dan pengetahuan yg kami dapat. Kami telah belajar cara membuat baja asli daripada SAM. Semenjak itu, bermulalah minat kami dalam aktiviti pertanian. Dengan memperolehi kemahiran dalam membuat baja asli dan penanaman lestari, kami juga telah dapat menambahkan pendapatan sampingan kami. Ini lebih baik daripada tanah kami terbiar dan tidak diusahakan. Terima kasih SAM kerana sudi memberi bantuan dan tunjuk ajar kepada Persatuan kami.
Chedo Anak Nyuwen
Chedo Anak NyuwenPersatuan Penduduk Sg Buri, Bakong, Marudi
My journey with SAM started when her community organisers took me to the meet the paddy farmers of Kedah, connecting my growing interest in environmental law with our people who struggle to work the land in the face of pollution, replacement of traditional seeds with commercial hybrids and their accompanying chemical package of fertilisers and weedicides. I then had the honour to work with SAM in the struggle for the rights of the native communities of Sarawak, in defence of their forests from massive logging and destructive mega-projects. In every issue that SAM takes up, she combines rigorous research with the realities and voices of the communities to advocate for policies and laws that care for people and nature. From the courts to the elected legislators to policy makers and implementers and to the United Nations, SAM walks side by side with the communities in Malaysia. How can I not be inspired by the vision and passion of the generations of women and men who coalesce to form SAM?
Chee Yoke Ling
Chee Yoke Lingstudent of SAM, Executive Director of Third World Network, SAM’s sister organisation

Support our mission

Do your part for the environment with your donations. Each contribution enables our organisation to create more impact towards environmental justice.

Donate here

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Headquarters)
No. 1, Jalan Joki,
11400 Penang,
Malaysia
Tel: +604 827 6930
Fax: +604 827 6932

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Marudi Office)
129A, First Floor,
Jalan Tuanku Taha,
P.O.Box 216,
98058 Marudi,
Baram, Sarawak,
Malaysia
Tel & Fax: +6085 758 973

Sitemap

  • Home
  • About
  • Programmes
  • Resources
  • Archive
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Usage of the Website Content

Get the latest news

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Headquarters)
No. 1, Jalan Joki, 11400 Penang,
Malaysia
Tel: +604 827 6930
Fax: +604 827 6932

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (Marudi Office)
129A, First Floor,
Jalan Tuanku Taha,
P.O.Box 216,
98058 Marudi, Baram, Sarawak,
Malaysia
Tel & Fax: +6085 758 973

Sitemap

  • Home
  • About
  • Programmes
  • Resources
  • Archive
  • Donate
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Usage of the Website Content

Get the latest news

Follow us here

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
Copyright © 2022 Sahabat Alam Malaysia