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

Treat every day as Earth Day

  • Publication Date | April 22, 2021
  • Document Type | Letter to the Editor
  • Programmes | Climate Change
  • Issues | Adaptation, Biodiversity, Conservation, Development, Forest Conversions, Logging, Mitigation, Reclamation, Water, Wildlife
  • Tags | Covid-19, Earth Day, Environmental Quality Act 1974, 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 on April 22.  It is a day to remember Mother Earth and how we treat her. It is not enough to dedicate one day in a year to remember her if we are to save her. 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 economic impacts.

covid, corona, coronavirus

Once again, Earth Day is happening during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic.  Nations continue to juggle between containing the pandemic and managing their economic recovery. Sufficient concern for the environment and ecology is still lagging behind.

The virus itself is believed to have emerged from environmental mishandling, viz. the trade and consumption of wildlife by humans. Major landmark reports from the U.N have warned about the emergence or re-emergence of infectious diseases due to mainly increasing human encroachments on natural environments such as land clearing and habitat fragmentation, reductions in biodiversity.  

Our current economic and development model continues to be unsustainable with negative consequences not only on our quality of life but threatens our continued existence on earth.

earth, globe, water

Indeed, the just-released report from the World Meteorological Organization on the ‘State of the Global Climate’ shows that the global average temperature in 2020 was about 1.2-degree C above pre-industrial level, which is “dangerously close” to the 1.5-degree C limit advocated by scientists to stave off the worst impacts of climate change.

Our predominant development model places emphasis on economic and commercial activities, whilst treating health and environmental problems as side effects that can be dealt with, piecemeal, when they arise. This must not be the case, as these so-called ‘side effects’ will definitely overwhelm the ‘mainstream’ objective of economic growth if we do not take them more seriously.

The Covid-19 health crisis has already overwhelmed the mainstream objective of economic growth. Similarly, the recent water crises and intense flooding episodes have shown how environmental calamities can put the brakes on the economy if we continue to not deal with them urgently and seriously. 

The water and flooding crisis are just the tips of the iceberg, as we encounter the unfolding of climate change and its impacts, which will be catastrophic not only for human lives but our economy as well.  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.

A fisherman shows the reclamation site | SAM
A fisherman shows a reclamation site | SAM

We cannot continue to promote unsustainable business-as-usual projects such mega-reclamation projects all over the country, that are not only grossly expensive but also destroy invaluable fishery resources and marine biodiversity irreversibly. All the sand-mining and attendant environmental consequences cannot simply be mitigated away, as it causes permanent damage to ecosystems that cannot be replaced. 

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

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 for 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. 

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 forests 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.

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 Sungai Kim Kim and the Klang Valley water disruption are grim reminders of what toxins in the environment can do to the health of the public. While recent efforts by the Ministry of Environment and Water are laudable, including in seeking the cooperation of the police and armed forces in beefing up enforcement efforts, 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.

While the Environmental Quality Act is currently being reviewed and improved, we do need an enhanced Environmental Protection Act which addresses the weaknesses of the previous legislation, including in relation to regulations on environmental impact assessments.

ingots, mining, copper

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. The notion of ‘sustainable’ mining is an oxymoron. Dealing with toxic, hazardous and radioactive wastes for generations to come are 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

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
Development & Planning

Set up Commission of Inquiry for the landslide tragedy in Batang Kali

SAM is shocked to learn about the horrific landslide tragedy in Batang Kali which has claimed several lives including children. Time and again we have

Read More »
December 16, 2022
cable car, isolated, winter-3989542.jpg
Forests & Biodiversity

Be transparent on cable car project

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is very alarmed to learn about the announcement by the Chief Minister of Penang that the cable car project to Penang

Read More »
December 14, 2022
Forests & Biodiversity

CBD COP15 – How it has fared so far

Week one (03 – 10 December 2022) of the 15th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 15) to the Convention onBiological Diversity (CBD) taking place

Read More »
December 14, 2022

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

Set up Commission of Inquiry for the landslide tragedy in Batang Kali

  • Publication Date | December 16, 2022
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Development & Planning
  • Issues | Adaptation, Development
Read more
cable car, isolated, winter-3989542.jpg

Be transparent on cable car project

  • Publication Date | December 14, 2022
  • Document Type | Media Statement
  • Programmes | Forests & Biodiversity
  • Issues | Conservation, Development, Urban Development
Read more

CBD COP15 – How it has fared so far

  • Publication Date | December 14, 2022
  • Document Type | Articles & Stories
  • Programmes | Forests & Biodiversity
  • Issues | Biodiversity, Conservation, Deforestation, Genetic Engineering, Indigenous Peoples, International Treaties, Land Rights, Mitigation, Wildlife
Read more
Development & Planning

In Memoriam – Trade Unionist Balakrishnan Nadeson

Read More »
January 18, 2023
Development & Planning

Set up Commission of Inquiry for the landslide tragedy in Batang Kali

Read More »
December 16, 2022
cable car, isolated, winter-3989542.jpg
Forests & Biodiversity

Be transparent on cable car project

Read More »
December 14, 2022
Forests & Biodiversity

CBD COP15 – How it has fared so far

Read More »
December 14, 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 © 2023 Sahabat Alam Malaysia