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

Need to heed warnings from mother earth

  • Publication Date | April 22, 2022
  • Document Type | Letter to the Editor
  • Programmes | Climate Change
  • Issues | Adaptation, Agrocommodities, Agroecology, Conservation, Deforestation, Development, Food Sovereignty, Forest Conversions, Forest Degazetting, Indigenous Peoples, International Treaties, Pollution, Toxics, Waste
  • Tags | EIA, Floods, IPCC report, Malaysia Climate Change Action Council, National Adaptation Plan
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp
Share on email
Share on facebook
Share on linkedin
PDF

It is Earth Day once again on April 22.  As we have said before, it is not enough to dedicate one day in a year to remember her if we are to save her and save ourselves.

We must remember her every day and put the environment and ecology at the centre of decision-making if we are to prevent future calamities that result in catastrophic environmental impacts which also have economic implications. 

We have seen this for example in the case of the devastating impacts of massive floods from intense rain episodes which are increasingly linked to climate change, as well as water cuts and shortages due to the pollution of our rivers and the mismanagement of our river basins and deforestation.

What is deeply frustrating and depressing is that we continue to learn about activities that undermine our sustainability. 

News reports surfaced this week that according to a survey by the Rimba Disclosure Project (RDP), forests totalling nearly the area of Singapore, or roughly three times that of Kuala Lumpur, have been earmarked for clearing in Peninsular Malaysia. The report states that Malaysia will see deforestation amounting to at least 72,584.73ha in the near future, as 86 environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports involving forested land have been approved, 28 listings of forests for sale have been identified, and one project involving deforestation is ongoing.

We have also learnt of massive reclamation projects with very serious environmental impacts including from the huge volumes of sand-mining and rock quarrying that will take place for these projects, and the destruction of environmentally sensitive areas. These are being pushed by several state governments, including the latest revelation of the Maharani Energy Gateway for oil and gas storage in Johor.

All these planned projects come at a time when the most recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) on “Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability” has stressed the need for climate resilient development. Among one of the many messages is that “Human-induced climate change, including more frequent and intense extreme events, has caused widespread adverse impacts and related losses and damages to nature and people, beyond natural climate variability….The rise in weather and climate extremes has led to some irreversible impacts as natural and human systems are pushed beyond their ability to adapt.”

Instead of reducing our vulnerability to climate impacts, our current unsustainable development trajectory is increasing the risks and our ability to be climate resilient.

It is most timely that a large coalition of NGOs under the banner of ‘Gabungan Darurat Iklim Malaysia’ (which includes SAM), have on 20 April, demanded that the government at the federal, state and local levels “declare a Climate Emergency in Malaysia no later than 16 September 2022 (Malaysia Day)” and have proposed detailed recommendations to address the climate emergency with a “strong political will”. We hope this call is taken seriously.  

It is not sufficiently realised that the environment and natural resources are the foundation of the economy and they set the parameters of how much economic growth can be sustained. We once again call for transformative commitments and paradigm shifts in the way we produce and consume.  A fundamental rethink and shift in the mindset is most needed.

We cannot continue to promote unsustainable business-as-usual projects all over the country, that are not only grossly expensive but also destroy our food security, at a time when we must do all we can to protect our food producing sectors, including our fishery resources and farms. It is unacceptable to destroy our food producing sectors when food prices and food imports are sky-rocketing.

This destructive and unsustainable business-as-usual approach has to change. Some critical areas where priority must be given are in the following. 

File picture | © SAM

First, we must take on climate change seriously and ensure greater ambition and action as regards mitigation, adaptation and efforts at addressing loss and damage. We welcome the recent government initiatives to step up climate action including through the establishment of the Malaysia Climate Change Action Council, as well as in embarking on climate legislation, and form a National Adaptation Plan. These positive initiatives should be expedited with urgency, and climate change is mainstreamed into all levels of government, from the federal, state to local levels, including in our education system. These efforts need to move at a more urgent pace.

Second, we need to urgently tackle the related issues of forest and soil conservation, river management, flood prevention and mitigation, and ensuring enough water supply, in an integrated manner. Forests and trees are the foundation of ecology, water supply and management and biodiversity. The chopping of forests, especially in hills, either for logging, plantations or commercial projects, should be stopped or drastically reduced as it has gone too far. Recent measures to make available funds for forests protection, conservation and rehabilitation from the federal to the states are welcome but once again, these efforts too must be expedited. SAM is however gravely concerned about the promotion of carbon offset projects involved in forest conservation efforts, through the engagement of corporate interests. Experiences abroad have shown negative impacts especially on local communities and indigenous peoples. We must learn from such experiences and avoid them.

Pollution from a shrimp acquaculture farm in Balik Pulau, Penang | SAM
Pollution from a shrimp acquaculture farm in Balik Pulau, Penang | © SAM (File picture)

The third priority is the control of pollution and toxic products, chemicals and wastes. We have experienced serious cases of air and water pollution. The Klang Valley water disruptions are grim reminders of what toxins in the environment can do to the health of the public. Much more needs to be done in pollution prevention, especially over our water resources. 

It is indeed high time for a single, independent federal authority accountable to Parliament, whose sole duty should be to look after the country’s rivers, including in ensuring that the water catchments and rivers which are in the states, are properly protected and the water resources properly managed. We must not shy away from reviewing our water tariffs, so that high end users are discouraged from water wastage.

The Environmental Quality Act 1974 has been under review for some time now, but it is taking too long as what we do need is an enhanced Environmental Protection Act which addresses the weaknesses of the previous legislation, including in relation to regulations on environmental impact assessments.

Fourth, there has been a big push recently for the revival of the mining industry in the country, including in the extraction of rare earths, with efforts for a national plan to transform the mining industry. Although there are assurances from the federal level that such mining will not take place in environmentally sensitive areas, our concern is that it is probably in these areas where such resources exist, given the nation’s previous history of mining and extraction. Dealing with toxic, hazardous and radioactive wastes for generations to come is not where we should be heading.

Once again, there will be a competition between economic and environmental imperatives, with the latter usually being sacrificed in favour of profits for the industry. We cannot go on making such trade-offs. It is about time we realised that we have reached the limits of what Mother Earth can take, and if we continue to ignore these warning signs and limits, we will face environmental calamities which will be hugely costly, both in human and economic terms.

Meenakshi Raman
President

Latest

Pollution & Extractives

How waste trade impacts us all

The following infographic paints a picture of how the waste trade impacts us all. Plastics overconsumption/overproduction manifests in an increased production of wastes.  The reality

Read More »
March 1, 2023
Pollution & Extractives

Return Lynas radioactive waste to Australia

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) welcome the Malaysian government’s move in not giving in to the pressure by Lynas

Read More »
February 16, 2023
Development & Planning

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

On 11.01.2023, we lost one of our very own former staff, Balakrishnan Nadeson, who succumbed to his illness. Balakrishnan, or rather Union Bala as we

Read More »
January 18, 2023
climate change, global warming, environment
Climate Change

United States must act responsibly to end climate injustice

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) wishes to respond to the recent statement by the United States Ambassador to Malaysia, Mr Brian Mcfeeters entitled ‘Partners in climate

Read More »
January 17, 2023

How waste trade impacts us all

  • Publication Date | March 1, 2023
  • Document Type | Articles & Stories
  • Programmes | Pollution & Extractives
  • Issues | Pollution, Toxics, Waste
Read more

Return Lynas radioactive waste to Australia

  • Publication Date | February 16, 2023
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Pollution & Extractives
  • Issues | Pollution, Toxics, Waste
Read more

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

  • Publication Date | January 18, 2023
  • Document Type | Articles & Stories
  • Programmes | Development & Planning
  • Issues | Development, General, Pollution, Toxics
Read more
climate change, global warming, environment

United States must act responsibly to end climate injustice

  • Publication Date | January 17, 2023
  • Document Type | Letter to the Editor
  • Programmes | Climate Change
Read more
Pollution & Extractives

How waste trade impacts us all

Read More »
March 1, 2023
Pollution & Extractives

Return Lynas radioactive waste to Australia

Read More »
February 16, 2023
Development & Planning

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

Read More »
January 18, 2023
climate change, global warming, environment
Climate Change

United States must act responsibly to end climate injustice

Read More »
January 17, 2023

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 © 2023 Sahabat Alam Malaysia