Earth Matters

There is growing local opposition to logging in the Baram Forest, with the Baram Penan communities leading efforts to protect their land from further destruction. At the heart of this movement is the Upper Baram Forest Area (UBFA), also known as the Baram Peace Park. The Penan community recently delivered a petition with over 500 signatures to Sarawak government officials, demanding an immediate halt to logging activities by a logging company, but tensions between pro- and anti-logging factions have escalated, with many fearing for the future of their heritage and forests. Celine Lim, the Managing Director of Save Rivers, joins us to discuss this ongoing struggle and the broader efforts to preserve the Baram Forest.

Image Credit: Baram Heritage Coalition

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a growing movement against Japan's controversial policy to export carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions to other countries, particularly in the Global South. Spearheading this movement is Ayumi Fukakusa, the Deputy Executive Director of Friends of the Earth Japan, who initiated a global petition earlier this year, raising serious concerns over the implications of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects, especially for countries like Malaysia, which has signed multiple agreements with Japanese corporations. At the heart of this debate are the risks of long-term liability, environmental hazards, and the pressing need for genuine climate action rather than relying on unproven technologies. We speak to Ayumi to dive deeper into these issues, and to discuss why Japan’s approach of exporting CO₂ to developing countries such as Malaysia might exacerbate the climate crisis, and how it could constitute an unjust practice often referred to as “carbon colonialism.”

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Cameron Highlands MP and the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Dato' Dr. Ramli bin Dato' Mohd Nor, proposed to place Orang Asli matters under the Federal Constitution’s Concurrent List, which would give both federal and state governments legislative authority over these issues. The Malaysian Bar had some concerns about this, arguing that the federal government already has sufficient powers to address Orang Asli concerns, particularly land ownership, and that moving these matters to the Concurrent List could lead to confusion, disputes, and administrative delays. To better understand these issues, we speak to Seira Sacha Abu Bakar, the Chairperson of the Bar Council Committee on Orang Asli Rights, who will also share the challenges Orang Asli communities have faced in securing their land rights, and how development projects, such as logging, plantations, or infrastructure have impacted Orang Asli land.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Cameron Highlands MP and the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Dato' Dr. Ramli bin Dato' Mohd Nor, proposed to place Orang Asli matters under the Federal Constitution’s Concurrent List, which would give both federal and state governments legislative authority over these issues. The Malaysian Bar had some concerns about this, arguing that the federal government already has sufficient powers to address Orang Asli concerns, particularly land ownership, and that moving these matters to the Concurrent List could lead to confusion, disputes, and administrative delays. To better understand these issues, we speak to Seira Sacha Abu Bakar, the Chairperson of the Bar Council Committee on Orang Asli Rights, who will also share the challenges Orang Asli communities have faced in securing their land rights, and how development projects, such as logging, plantations, or infrastructure have impacted Orang Asli land.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Free Tree Society (FTS) is an organisation that has long been dedicated to urban rewilding and environmental education, right here in Kuala Lumpur. Their latest initiative, the Bangsar Ecological Connector: A Community Driven Rewilding Initiative was just launched, and is an effort to restore biodiversity, foster community involvement, and create sustainable urban ecosystems. We find out more about this pioneer rewilding project designed to connect the urban forest of Pulai Trail to the green spaces of Rimba Ilmu at Universiti Malaya from Carolyn Joan Lau, the President of the Free Tree Society, and Baida Hercus, the Founder and Vice President of the Free Tree Society.

Image Credit: @pulaitrail on Instagram

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As our oceans and coastlines face increasing threats from pollution, initiatives like International Coastal Cleanup Day become more crucial than ever. This global event brings together communities, volunteers, and organisations to tackle the growing problem of marine debris. In Malaysia, Reef Check Malaysia has been at the forefront of these efforts, playing a pivotal role in mobilising local participation and raising awareness. We speak to Julian Hyde, the CEO of Reef Check Malaysia, and Theresa Ng, Reef Check Malaysia's Chief Operations Officer,  to explore the impact of International Coastal Cleanup Day in Malaysia, the challenges faced, and the inspiring stories that drive this important work.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Malaysia. Through the series, we want to take you back to the great outdoors, and experience the many off-the-beaten-track nature spots our country has to offer. A conservation expedition rather than an ecotourism adventure, the Citizen Action for Tigers (CAT) Walk programme by the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT) allows members of the public to help protect wild tigers and their habitat by reporting illegal activities and disarming snares and traps. These walks are designed as anti-poaching, anti-deforestation guided walks by volunteers and locals at poaching hotspots around Taman Negara, Malaysia’s largest national park. We find out more from Muna Noor, Conservation Officer, Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MYCAT).

Image Credit: Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's that time of the month where we speak to Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn, the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, for a round-up of top environmental news from August 2024. Today on our list, we look at Sabah's Tawai Forest Reserve, described as "a unique ecological treasure" but which is facing threats from the construction of the Pan Borneo highway.  We then turn our attention to orangutan conservation ideas, and plans to pivot from orangutan diplomacy to allocating funds to conservation NGOs already working on orangutan conservation. Finally, we discuss why the Malaysian Bar has rejected a proposal to place Orang Asli matters under the constitution’s Concurrent List.

Image credits: Shutterstock

Map taken from Forever Sabah and Land Empowerment Animals People via Macaranga.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden, the University of Malaya's 80-hectare botanical garden, is an important conservation site and educational resource in Malaysia. Since its inception in 1974, the garden has evolved from an abandoned rubber estate into a flourishing haven for around 1,700 plant species, offering a unique rainforest experience in an urban setting. Originally a teaching facility for biology students, it opened to the public in 1997 and now features core collections of medicinal plants, palms, and rare orchids. We discuss how Rimba Ilmu is fostering environmental awareness and promoting the conservation of Malaysia's rich biodiversity, and we also chat about Belukar Dah Jadi Rimba, Rimba Ilmu 50th anniversary exhibition with Benjamin Ong, a PhD researcher with the University of St Andrews and the producer of the exhibition, and also Huda Nejim Al-Asedi, a teaching artist, and the Art Director of Belukar dah jadi Rimba.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new analysis by global energy think tank Ember reveals that solar power generation in Peninsular Malaysia was 53% cheaper than fossil fuels in 2023, offering significant cost savings and energy security benefits. The report highlights the untapped potential of Malaysia's solar resources, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, and advocates for accelerated solar growth and grid integration to meet the country's renewable energy targets. We discuss the report with Shabrina Nadhila, the Electricity Policy Analyst for Southeast Asia at Ember, and how Malaysia needs enhanced policies to integrate solar and battery storage, emphasizing the need for a holistic, system-wide approach to ensure a secure and resilient energy future.

Image Credit: Embers

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian elephants are the largest land mammals on the Asian continent and play a crucial role as keystone species and ecosystem engineers. Distinguished by their smaller ears and domed heads compared to their African counterparts, these gentle giants once roamed across diverse habitats from grasslands to rainforests throughout Asia. However, their population has sharply declined due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-elephant conflicts. It's conjunction with World Elephant Day, celebrated annually on the 12th of August, we want to discuss why ensuring their survival is crucial to both people and planet, with Associate Professor Dr Wong Ee Phin, an elephant ecologist and the Principle Investigator from the Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants or MEME, which is a research organisation working on developing evidence-based approach to the conservation of Asian elephants in Peninsular Malaysia. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is globally recognised as a barometer of the world’s biodiversity. This year, the Red list includes over 163,000 species of animals, fungi, and plants, with 28% of them threatened with extinction. One notable mention: our very own Bornean pygmy elephant. Scientists believe there are only about 1,000 animals remaining in the wild, with their population declining over the past 75 years due primarily to extensive logging in Borneo, and subsequent habitat loss.  Ahead of World Elephant Day on the 12th of August, we catch up with elephant ecologist Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, and the Director of Seratu Aatai, an NGO working on fostering peaceful human-elephant coexistence in Sabah, to discuss the troubling new status of the Borneo pygmy elephant, but also how it may help shed more light on these minute pachyderms, and ensure their survival for the future.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a significant victory for wildlife protection, authorities in Malaysia seized over 1,000 parts from endangered species like Malayan tigers and leopards near Taman Negara National Park not too long ago. Four individuals were arrested, and this massive operation highlights the critical role of increased enforcement in protecting our biodiversity hotspots. We discuss the impact of this seizure, the ongoing fight against wildlife poaching and trafficking, and also the importance of continued investment in wildlife protection efforts with Kanitha Krishnasamy, the Director for TRAFFIC in Southeast Asia.

Image credit: Afrianto Silalahi / Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the simple motto to “Recycle, Reduce, Reuse” KakiDIY have been doing just that, through their movement of DIY enthusiasts. Together, they have greatly reduced waste by reusing broken items around them, either by repairing them or making it into something new.  Celebrating their 7th anniversary this July, we catch up with Johnson Lam, the Founder of KakiDIY and KakiRepair, to discuss the growth and impact of this grassroots fixer-upper group.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As July wraps up, we too want to bring you a roundup of the top environmental news from the month past, with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal, Macaranga. Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua join us once again, first to discuss Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage efforts in Malaysia, which have been ramping up significantly, and why it's being championed as a climate solution. In conjunction with Global Tiger Day celebrated on the 29th of July, we also take a look at how our Malayan tigers are doing, and discuss the sad cases of tiger deaths which have increased significantly in the last 12 months. Finally, we look at the historic floods that happened in Penampang in Sabah, and whether there are solutions to this long-standing crisis.

Image credits:

- Photo of Floods in Penampang on October 12, 2021 taken by Adrian Banie Lasimbang

- Photo of Mangrove Boardwalk taken by A. Aldrie Amir

- Photo of Malayan Tiger taken by joelblazewicz via Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Malaysia. Through the series, we want to take you back to the great outdoors, and experience the many off-the-beaten-track nature spots our country has to offer. In light of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem that was on the 26th of July, we speak to Dr. Ahmad Aldrie Amir, an Associate Professor at the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and the coordinator of the Malaysian Mangrove Research Alliance and Network (MyMangrove), to discuss the ecotourism opportunities at the many mangrove forests here in Malaysia! 

Photo Credit: The Malaysian Mangrove Research Alliance and Network (MyMangrove)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anak Rimba Books has a clear goal: to inspire a generation of children to cherish the planet. Founded by Abyan Junus-Nishizawa and Farah Landemaine, this publishing house is dedicated to creating beautifully illustrated children's books, to educate young readers about nature and endangered Asian species. To date, they have released six delightful and impactful stories, and have expanded into other forms of storytelling too, including film. We catch up with them to discuss their ongoing mission to inspire young (and not-so-young) Malaysians to cherish and protect our incredible biodiversity. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Problematic forest plantations prompted Malaysia to call for a 15-year moratorium on new projects in Peninsular Malaysia, to buy time to plug the gaps in the system. But two and a half years on, states are still licensing planters to clear new sites. Why? In Macaranga's latest series, environmental journalist Law Yao Hua follows up on the issue of forest plantations in forest reserves, which is said to be one of the biggest drivers of forest loss in Peninsular Malaysia. Yao Hua joins us to delve into the many issues surrounding forest plantations, and we also speak to environmental activist Meor Razak bin Meor Abdul Rahman, a member of the NGO Sahabat Ekologi Perak, to discuss the impacts of forest plantations on local communities, flora and fauna. We also ponder - can forest plantations ever be sustainable in Peninsular Malaysia?

Image Credit: YH Law via Macaranga Media Sdn Bhd

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Assistant Professor Dr John S. Ascher is an entomologist with the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore, who has been described as the world's leading native bee taxonomist. Also a Research Associate at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore, he joins us to share more about his work, which includes helping to create a world map of bee species, in order to enhance understanding of the geographical distributions of bee species, and to create a comprehensive understanding of global bee diversity. We also discuss the essential role of bees and other pollinators in agriculture, ecological balance, and biodiversity preservation, and why we must all “bee” engaged in their conservation efforts. 

Image Credit: National University of Singapore

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) has identified the need for Southeast Asia to have an environmental rights instrument to strengthen the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD)'s commitment to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. The hope for the declaration is to emphasise the importance of environmental rights as part of human rights, aiming to create a framework for their promotion and protection within ASEAN, ensuring sustainable development and the well-being of current and future generations. Stakeholders were here in Malaysia just a couple of weeks ago for meetings and engagement sessions, for the fifth ASEAN Environmental Rights Working Group (AER WG) meeting. We speak to Nicholas Mujah Anak Ason, the General Secretary of the Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) and the core representative from the Asia Pacific Network of Environment Defenders (APNED), and also Celine Lim, the Managing Director of Save Rivers, who was at the meetings as an observer, to discuss how indigenous perspectives were taken into consideration, in the drafting process of this regional declaration on environmental rights.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASEAN Declaration On The Right To A Safe, Clean, (Healthy), Sustainable Environment aims to provide an unprecedented regional framework, to push for the implementation of international environmental rights standards. These include the 2022 U.N. General Assembly Resolution of access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a universal human right. This would be the region’s first-ever policy instrument on environmental rights, and once adopted, the Declaration will guide ASEAN member states in strengthening action and accountability related to environmental rights. We find out more about this groundbreaking initiative from Max Han, the co-founder of Youths United For Earth (YUFE), and a representative at the meetings from the ASEAN Youth Forum, and also Roger Joseph (Rocky) Guzman, an Environmental lawyer and the Deputy Director of the Asian Research Institute for Environmental Law.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year during the first weekend of July, a unique global event flickers to life – World Firefly Day. Held to commemorate the importance of fireflies in our ecosystems, World Firefly Day also aims to highlight the ongoing threats these luminous beetles are facing, including habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. We speak to Dr Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh, a Senior Lecturer for Biodiversity & Conservation at the School of Science, from Monash University Malaysia, and the co-Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission – Firefly Specialist Group (2022–2025), about the ecology of fireflies, and also why we must safeguard their future, for the well-being of both wildlife and humans.

Image credit: Terry Priest via International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of freshwater turtles and tortoises in Malaysia. Founded in 2011, TCS is involved in a variety of activities aimed at protecting these endangered species, including research, habitat protection, and community outreach. Over the years, TCS has spearheaded several outreach programmes designed to raise awareness and involve the community in conservation activities, and today on the show, we catch up with Dr Chen Pelf Nyok, the co-founder of TCS, for an update on all the good work they've been doing in order to conserve and protect freshwater turtles and tortoises.

Image credit: Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tucked away in the serene neighbourhood of Sri Hartamas is a delightful garden of edible plants and flowers known as Kebun Komuniti Hartamas (KKH). Initiated by a group of like-minded neighbours in August 2020, this space has transformed into a hub of community activity. Designed by the community and for the community, the garden aims to support those in need while promoting gardening knowledge and awareness. Flourishing now, under the TNB high wires in the area, the garden features over 70 different plant species. We find out more about this community garden - a testament to the dedication and collaboration of local residents - from Phillipa Yoong, the head of Kebun Komuniti Hartamas.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marking the midway point to the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan this November, the Bonn Climate Change Conference recently concluded earlier this month, and financial disputes were said to be at the heart of the talks. With less than five months to go before COP29 in Baku, this mid-way climate meeting hosted by the UNFCCC saw developed and developing countries continuing to battle over who should provide the trillions of dollars required to tackle the climate crisis across the global south, and also how to make progress on international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, among other issues. We catch up with Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia and Head of Programmes at the Third World Network (TWN), who was in Bonn for the talks, to give us a rundown of the key takeaways - or lack thereof - from the talks.

Image Credit: United Nations Climate Change

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we close off June, it's time for our monthly Macaranga wrap-up show, where we give you a rundown of the top environmental news from the month past, curated by the co-founders of the environmental journalism portal, Macaranga. Today we are joined by Law Yao Hua to discuss three main topics, first, the deaths of a mother elephant and her three calves in Johor - was poisoning the culprit? Next, we turn our attention to a study which points to Malaysia as topping the list of countries with the highest microplastic consumption. Finally, Sarawak has been hailed for planting 35 million trees since 2021, as part of the 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign 2021-2025. A great effort, or is there some greenwashing at play? We discuss this and more on this month's episode.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Malaysia. Through the series, we want to take you back to the great outdoors, and experience the many off-the-beaten-track nature spots our country has to offer. This month, we speak to Dr Louisa Ponnampalam, the Chairperson of the MareCet Research Organisation about ecotourism opportunities in Mersing, Johor, and the islands nearby, specifically two tours that the group organises under their Marine Excursions & The Blue Classroom program, which are the Mersing Junior Marine Explorer and Pulau Sibu Marine Explorer. Find out more about opportunities to see mangroves, seagrass patches in an intertidal zone, dramatic rock formations, and also chances to go snorkelling dugong watching!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Macaranga's latest article, "Listen to the Birds to Save Mangroves" is an in-depth look at the critical interdependence between mangrove forests and bird populations in Malaysia. We know that mangrove forests are at risk here in Malaysia, mainly due to fragmentation caused by infrastructure development. This fragmentation endangers not only the mangroves but also the wildlife that depends on them. We discuss the importance of mangroves, not only for coastal protection, but also for maintaining biodiversity, and particularly bird species that play a vital role in the ecosystem. Helping us to do that are Ashley Yeong (Environmental Journalist, Macaranga), Wong Siew Lyn (Editor and Co-founder, Macaranga) and Dato' Dr Amar-Singh HSS (Editor, Malaysian Bird Report) who all contributed to the article.

Image Credit: Amar-Singh HSS, Macaranga

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We recently celebrated World Oceans Day and World Coral Triangle Day, awareness days meant to reflect on the critical issues facing our oceans and coral reefs. With the ongoing fourth global coral bleaching event, the urgency to address these challenges has never been greater. Reef Check Malaysia is at the forefront of marine conservation efforts, working tirelessly to monitor and protect the health of coral reefs and marine ecosystems. We catch up with Reef Check Malaysia's CEO Julian Hyde, and Chief Programme Officer Alvin Chelliah, to explore the importance of our oceans, the current threats they face, and the crucial actions needed to preserve these vital ecosystems. We’ll also delve into their work at Reef Check Malaysia, and the innovative strategies they employ to combat coral bleaching and promote marine conservation.

Image Credit: 123RF

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might not think of mangroves as part of the ocean, but these coastal, salt-tolerant trees sustain a vibrant ecosystem intricately linked to tropical and subtropical ocean regions worldwide. It was World Oceans Day on the 8th of June, and we want to explore how mangroves contribute to the overall health of the ocean ecosystem, and how it may be nature’s solution to ocean acidification, with Dr. Ahmad Aldrie Amir, a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) at UKM, and the coordinator of the Malaysian Mangrove Research Alliance and Network (MyMangrove).

Image Credit: The Malaysian Mangrove Research Alliance and Network (MyMangrove), Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was the Day of Action Against Incineration on the 3rd of June, organised by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) in Asia Pacific, to draw attention to the negative impacts of waste incineration, and shift public finance to real solutions in waste and climate change. In ourfirst episode of this two-part series, we caught up with Albrecht Arevalo, a Climate & Anti-Incineration Campaigner with GAIA Asia Pacific, and Dr Tan Ching Seong, the co-founder of Gabungan Anti Insinerator Kebangsaan (GAIK), and CEO of iCycle, to break down how waste incineration actually works, and also to discuss the pros and cons of incineration and Waste To Energy facilities, as a solution to our mounting waste management problems. In this second episode, we tackle alternatives and future directions - what are practical, low-cost, and community-led waste management practices that have proven more effective than incineration, and how zero waste approaches can serve as a sustainable alternative to waste incineration.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) in Asia Pacific are set to hold a Day of Action Against Incineration this 3rd of June. Incinerators are considered highly toxic, expensive, and dangerous, contributing significantly to climate change by emitting 68% more greenhouse gases per unit of energy than coal plants. GAIA and its allies are rallying people to call on governments to completely phase out incineration, and invest more in clean energy and zero-waste solutions. In this first of a two-part series, we speak to Albrecht Arevalo, a Climate & Anti-Incineration Campaigner with GAIA Asia Pacific, and Dr Tan Ching Seong, the co-founder of Gabungan Anti Insinerator Kebangsaan (GAIK), and CEO of iCycle, to break down how waste incineration actually works, and also to discuss the pros and cons of incineration and Waste To Energy facilities, as a solution to our mounting waste management problems.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With May almost behind us, it's time once more for our monthly Macaranga wrap-up show, where we give you a rundown of the top environmental news from the month past, curated by the co-founders of the environmental journalism portal Macaranga - Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn. This month, we tackle three topics, first we discuss Endangered Species Day - celebrated annually on the third Friday of May - where we'll look at new research published on some of Malaysia's endangered species. Next we turn our attention to "Orangutan Diplomacy" and Malaysia's attempt to show she is a producer of sustainable palm oil, and committed to forest and environmental sustainability, while also discussing a new oil palm plantation in the works in Pahang, located just about 15 km south of Taman Negara. Finally, there was a recent ruling by the Taiping High Court that Kampung Cunex in Gerik in Perak will be gazetted as an Orang Asli Reserve, but not the 'forest-at- large' - what does this mean? Yao Hua and Siew Lyn help break it down for us.

Image Credit: Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC), Facebook & Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Macaranga's latest article - Floods, Rising Seas Make Dumps More Dangerous - highlights the escalating dangers posed by landfills, amidst the backdrop of climate change-induced floods, rising sea levels, and other environmental impacts, by focusing on Malaysia's waste management crisis. Landfills, once deemed a solution, now exacerbates environmental and health risks due to their vulnerability to climate-related disasters and inadequate waste management practices, and with only a fraction of Malaysia's landfills meeting sanitary standards, the proliferation of open dumpsites compounds these challenges. "Garbage juice" or leachate, heavy metal contamination, and the heightened risk of landfill fires underscore the urgent need for comprehensive waste management strategies. We discuss the research explained in the article, and examine the potential of Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants as a solution, while also advocating for a shift towards sustainable lifestyles to address the root causes of waste generation. Can a paradigm shift in consumption patterns and waste management practices mitigate the escalating risks posed by landfills and foster a sustainable future? We discuss this and more with environmental journalist Ashley Leong, the author of the report, Wong Siew Lyn, the co-founder and editor of Macaranga, and Geetha P Kumaran, an Environmental and Waste Management Consultant.

Image Credit: Ashley Yeong, Macaranga

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are serious flaws in plastic offsets, credits and plastic neutrality, according to the report: Smoke and Mirrors - The Realities of Plastic Credits and Offsetting. Building on research published by SourceMaterial and Bloomberg, with original research by Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), the report looks at two of the main proponents of plastic offsetting — Verra and Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) — which were analysed to provide a snapshot of the current realities of plastic offsetting, beyond the promises and marketing. Among other things, the report shows that plastic credits are encouraging the burning of plastic, a practice that releases harmful toxic chemicals and greenhouse gases, with no environmental benefits, and also that there are serious doubts about additionality, a key concept in offsetting. We unpack the findings of this report with Emma Priestland, the Global Corporate Campaigns Coordinator, from the Break Free From Plastic Movement.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wildlife conservation landscape in Malaysia, is changing, and while there have been many wins, such as recent amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Act, there remains challenges, such as the delays in the actual enforcement of the Act, which threaten their efficacy. A comparison between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah's wildlife legislation underscores the need for tailored, comprehensive frameworks to address unique ecological needs and challenges. Notably, Sabah's Wildlife Conservation Enactment (1997) exemplifies a holistic approach, emphasising habitat preservation and species conservation. The proliferation of wildlife trade on social media underscores the urgency for dedicated NGOs specialising in rescue and rehabilitation. Drawing lessons from successful collaborations in neighbouring countries, Malaysia can enhance conservation efforts by fostering partnerships between NGOs and government agencies. Transparency, accountability, and adherence to international guidelines, facilitated by Malaysia's membership in the IUCN, are paramount to safeguarding the nation's biodiversity. The Gibbon Conservation Society of Malaysia is an NGO that believes in the importance of approaching conservation from every possible angle, in order to truly solve the issues faced by our wildlife. They work towards a comprehensive approach that not only tackles rehabilitation and the wildlife trade, but also empowers individuals, collaborates with communities, and contributes to scientific research, all while spreading awareness on issues such as these, across the globe. The society submitted an application to Perhilitan under Section 12(2) for a rehabilitation permit a few years ago, but the permit has still not been approved. We speak to Mariani Ramli, the President & Founder of the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS)  to discuss this ongoing issue, and to also find out how such delays are affecting their ongoing rehabilitation efforts, and the challenges that have arisen from the slow enforcement of these amendments in the Wildlife Act.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Established in 2012 and run by a team of passionate researcher-conservationists, MareCet is Malaysia's first and only non-profit NGO that is dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals in Malaysia. A bulk of their work focuses on increasing scientific knowledge through research, they are also keen to educate and transfer knowledge to us all, to create positive impact and change. Some of their ways of doing that is through their marine education and excursion programs, where we get to experience their field sites, in a fun way. Today on the show, we want to find out more about these Marine Excursions & The Blue Classroom by MareCet, and helping us to do that are Dr Louisa Ponnampalam, the Chairperson of the MareCet Research Organisation, and Kimberly Wong, the Marine Excursions Coordinator, also with MareCet.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we close off April, it's time for our monthly Macaranga wrap-up show, where we give you a rundown of the top environmental news from the month past, curated by the co-founders of the environmental journalism portal, Macaranga. We speak to Law Yao Hua to discuss some major updates on the ongoing Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link (PJD Link) saga, before turning our attention to what is set to be the first open trial on rhino horn trafficking activities, in Malaysia’s courts. We also chat about the ongoing global plastics treaty negotiations happening at INC-4 in Ottawa, and why there is such an urgent need to craft a treaty to curb the scourge of plastic pollution.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the late 1980s, over a quarter of a billion tonnes of plastic waste have been globally traded, disproportionately burdening developing countries with insufficient waste management capacities, while enabling developed nations to sustain high plastic consumption. Referred to as "waste colonialism," this practice leads to irreparable harm to the environment and human health in importing countries like Malaysia, now a top destination for plastic waste following China's 2018 ban. A new report by the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) exposes corruption and regulatory loopholes exacerbating the crisis, with Malaysia importing a substantial portion of plastic waste from Japan, raising doubts about Japan's support for waste management infrastructure in Southeast Asia. With a limited recycling capacity, Malaysia struggles to manage both domestic and imported plastic waste. In a previous episode, we discussed the challenges and loopholes identified in the institutional framework governing plastic waste imports to Malaysia, and how a lack of monitoring and transparency in the recycling industry compounded the issue. In this second part, we discuss among other things, how Malaysia can learn from China and Thailand's experiences in managing plastic waste and implementing policies to reduce imports, and how to address the challenges of waste colonialism and promote sustainable waste management practices both globally and in Malaysia, with Wong Pui Yi and Nabila Zulkeflee, from the C4 Center.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the late 1980s, over a quarter of a billion tonnes of plastic waste have been globally traded, disproportionately burdening developing countries with insufficient waste management capacities, while enabling developed nations to sustain high plastic consumption. Referred to as "waste colonialism," this practice leads to irreparable harm to the environment and human health in importing countries like Malaysia, now a top destination for plastic waste following China's 2018 ban. A new report by the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center) exposes corruption and regulatory loopholes exacerbating the crisis, with Malaysia importing a substantial portion of plastic waste from Japan, raising doubts about Japan's support for waste management infrastructure in Southeast Asia. With limited recycling capacity, Malaysia struggles to manage both domestic and imported plastic waste. We find out more about the findings from this research, and how it sheds light on the need for transparency, traceability, and accountability, and advocates for a global agreement to combat plastic pollution, with two of the report's authors, Wong Pui Yi and Nabila Zulkeflee, who are both with the C4 Center.

Image Credit: Rich Carey, Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Harris Raj Kumar, an environmentalist and the founder of Local Nature Trips, about the nature based tourism activities he runs, to promote a love for our natural heritage.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fashion Revolution is a global movement that aims to transform the fashion industry into a more sustainable and ethical one. It was founded in the aftermath of the Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh in 2013, which claimed the lives of over 1,100 garment workers. The tragedy shed light on the poor working conditions and lack of transparency within the fashion supply chain. The Fashion Revolution movement calls for greater transparency, sustainability, and ethics in the fashion industry. It encourages consumers to ask brands, "Who made my clothes?" as a way to raise awareness about the people behind the garments and to advocate for fair treatment and wages for workers throughout the supply chain. It's Fashion Revolution Week this week, held annually in April around the anniversary of the Rana Plaza collapse, and there are various events, campaigns, and initiatives being organised both here and globally to engage consumers, brands, and industry stakeholders in discussions about sustainability, ethical production, and the need for systemic change in the fashion industry. We speak to Melissa Tan, a climate action and sustainability advocate, and the Country Coordinator for Fashion Revolution Malaysia, to discuss how Fashion Revolution is raising awareness about the social and environmental impacts of the fashion industry.

Image Credit: Fashion Revolution Malaysia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in March 2022, a significant resolution was passed at the 5th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, titled "End plastic pollution: towards an international legally binding instrument." This resolution acknowledged the severe global issue of plastic pollution, recognising its detrimental effects on the environment, society, and sustainable development. It mandated the UN Environment Programme Executive Director to establish an International Negotiating Committee (INC) to create a legally binding treaty addressing plastic pollution across its entire life cycle. This landmark decision marked the beginning of the process toward a global agreement on plastic pollution, with the aim of finalising the treaty by the end of 2024. The fourth session of the INC to develop this international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, is set to take place from the 23rd to the 29th of April 2024 in Canada. Many battles are set to be fought at these negotiations, to effectively respond to the global plastics pollution crisis. What are they? We speak to Arpita Bhagat, the Plastic Policy Officer at GAIA Asia Pacific, and Dharmesh Shah, a Consulting Senior Campaigner (Plastics Treaty), at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), to find out more about what civil society organisation will be pushing for, at INC-4.

Image Credit: GAIA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malaysia, it's sadly not that difficult to purchase wildlife as pets, especially through online channels. But what's spurring Malaysians to want to own and then buy these exotic pets, and are there enough laws to prevent the often illegal trade of these wild species of animals? We speak to journalists Hannan Azmir and Lee Kwai Han, who recently wrote two articles on the illegal trade of wildlife online, for local environmental journalism portal, Macaranga. We also speak to Dr Nor Arlina Amirah Ahmad Ghani from Justice for Wildlife Malaysia, a non-profit research enterprise entity who aims to protect and conserve wildlife in Malaysia through legal means, and how they are promoting legal literacy among wildlife conservation fraternities.

Image credit: Macaranga (Hannan Azmir)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Urban Orchard Kuala Lumpur (UOKL) is a project initiated by Yen Maseri Hj Idris, better known as Uncle Yen. After losing his youngest son in 2016, Yen started planting fruit trees along the riverbank of Sungai Penchala, near the Bukit Kiara Muslim Cemetery, as his way of dealing with the loss of his son, and honouring his late son’s memory. His vision is to create a sanctuary for people who are struggling with mental health issues, and to share the fruits of his labour with the public. He joins us to share more about how he turned the neglected swampy land in Taman Tun into a thriving biodiverse orchard, and also how he hopes UOKL will inspire more urban dwellers to reconnect with the earth, and find healing and happiness in the process.

Image credits: UOKL

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International Zero Waste Day was just celebrated on the 30th of March, with the aim of promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, supporting a societal shift towards circularity, and raising awareness about how zero-waste initiatives contribute to the advancement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. According to the UN, the waste sector contributes to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity and nature loss, and pollution. It's said that zero-waste initiatives can encourage sound waste management and minimise and prevent waste, helping to address the planetary crisis, protect the environment, enhance food security, and improve human health and well-being. Here on Earth Matters, we've had the privilege to speak to several zero-waste practitioners, who have shared their own journeys of transforming their lives and consumption patterns, and going as ‘zero-waste’ as possible. In this look-back episode, we hear from Bea Johnson, the French-born US-based environmental activist, author and motivational speaker, cited as the founder of the zero waste movement, who is best known for reducing her family's annual trash down to a pint and for authoring the book Zero Waste Home: The Ultimate Guide to Simplifying Your Life by Reducing Your Waste. We then hear from Zero Waste Malaysia's Khor Sue Yee (Co-founder and Director) and Jasreel Lim (Head of Finance & Business Development), who discuss Trashpedia, which is dubbed the ultimate guide to waste segregation and sustainable living.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Terengganu’s Pulau Redang, the community is actively engaged in protecting their marine ecosystem, particularly focusing on coral reef restoration with the support of Reef Check Malaysia and the Redang Marine Conservation Group (RMCG). Six locals trained by Reef Check Malaysia's Cintai Redang team have achieved significant milestones within a year, including rescuing 750 coral fragments, removing 274 kg of ghost nets, and eliminating 89 Crown-of-Thorns starfish (COTS). They've also established partnerships with local schools and developed a national community-based Coral Rehabilitation Toolkit, aimed at guiding communities in coral conservation efforts, which has been piloted successfully. Supported by various organisations and funded by the National Conservation Trust Fund, the toolkit offers comprehensive strategies for assessing, rehabilitating, and sustaining coral reefs, including community engagement and tourist involvement for long-term sustainability. We find out more about this conservation success from Julian Hyde, the General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Macaranga Wrap-up is our monthly show on Earth Matters where we give you a roundup of the top environmental news from the month past, curated by the co-founders of the environmental journalism portal Macaranga. Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua return this March with updates on some illegal wildlife trading cases, involving both African rhinoceros and reptiles. We will also take a look at the recent ruling involving the European Union and the Malaysian government, where the World Trade Organisation rejected Malaysia's complaint against an EU decision that biodiesel made from palm oil should not be considered a renewable biofuel, though the EU will also have to make some adjustments to the measures they introduced. Finally, over in Johor, the Merambong seagrass meadow next to Forest City Johor, is reportedly thriving after restoration. A development + conservation success story? We discuss this and more. 

Image credits: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Malaysia. Done in collaboration with the Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), we want to take you back to the great outdoors, and experience the many off-the-beaten-track nature spots our country has to offer. Last month, we did an overview of what Tawau, Sabah has to offer, but today we dive into stunning Semporna, nestled on the eastern coast of Borneo and not too far from  Tawau town. We explore the rich history and cultural heritage of this town, and also its breathtaking tapestry of biodiversity, from vibrant coral reefs to lush rainforests. Helping us on this adventure is Andrew Sebastian, the Founder & CEO of the Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY).

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fun fact: Asian arowana once sold for more than RM500,000! But did you also know that they were once so common, that locals were hauling them up by the dozens to eat? But the fish have been endangered for the past 50 years, and are rarely seen in our rivers and lakes now. Local environmental journalism portal Macaranga wrote a two-part series on the past decline of wild arowanas and current efforts to conserve them, and we find out more from journalists and co-authors of the piece, Law Yao Hua (Editor, Macaranga) and Tracy Keeling (Earth Journalism Networks' CITES Legal Trade Journalism Fellow) and Dr Haslawati Baharuddin, a research scientist from the Fisheries Research Institute, Department of Fisheries Malaysia.

Image credit: Eric Chiang/Macaranga

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rantaian Urban Green Spaces or RUGS is a conservation initiative with the primary objective of overseeing and fostering collaborative efforts among multiple stakeholders to preserve, revitalise, and interconnect the dispersed green areas within the Klang Valley. Throughout the Klang Valley, smaller, isolated green patches often receive less attention compared to larger forest expanses in other regions of the country.  But these green pockets remain crucial habitats for Malaysia's diverse flora and fauna, thus the need for protection and restoration of these spaces. Under the stewardship of the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), RUGS works on inclusive planning processes and the empowerment of local communities, and is said to be the first of its kind in Klang Valley and Peninsular Malaysia. As we celebrate International Day of Forests and World Water Day this March, we find out more about RUGS from Vivian Soon (Wildlife and Conservation Officer) and Ng Sean Fong (Data and Policy Officer) who are both with the Malaysian Nature Society.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Penan and Kenyah communities from the Baram Peace Park up in Northern Sarawak, are rejecting logging in their ancestral lands, whether certified as sustainable or not. From their experience, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) -  a crucial component for all companies who are aiming for sustainable and ethical supply chains - has not been upheld time and again. In the Baram Peace Park, local communities who oppose logging have to fight really hard to protect their territories and rights on a daily basis. While not opposing development, the communities are calling for development that actually protects the forests and their local cultures, instead of destroying them. What has the experience been for these communities, throughout the years? Ahead of International Day of Forests, we speak to Celine Lim, the Managing Director of SAVE Rivers, to discuss how and why local communities in the Upper Baram Forest Area are fighting to protect the forests there.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carnivorous plants, with their remarkable ability to capture and digest prey, have captivated the imagination of plant enthusiasts and researchers alike. Here in biodiverse Malaysia, these plants thrive in various ecosystems, each species evolving its own remarkable mechanisms to survive in nutrient-poor environments. We speak to three members of the Malaysia Carnivorous Plants group or MyCP - Gideon Lim and Nicholas Tan who are co-founders, and Justin Chew, who manages the group's communications and strategy - to explore the intricacies of carnivorous plants, including their ecological significance, and discover the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve these extraordinary species in Malaysia today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Urban community forests are collectively managed green spaces within cities, serving multiple purposes such as recreation, biodiversity conservation, and education. Urban and community forests play a vital role in our cities and communities, from improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect, to boosting property values, fostering community, and enhancing mental and physical health. Ahead of International Day of Forests - celebrated annually on the 21st of March - we want to raise awareness on the importance of all urban community forests, which are in danger of being lost forever due to rapid urbanisation. We catch up with Alicia Teoh, the Founder and Secretary of the Shah Alam Community Forest Society, to discuss the role these urban forests play in improving our quality of life, and why we must protect them at all costs.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plastic contaminates the entire planet - we eat it, we breathe it, it's been found in our blood stream. The Break Free From Plastic Movement – a global movement envisioning a future free from plastic pollution – unveiled their 2023 Global Brand Audit results in early February, revealing the world's worst plastic polluters. The annual brand audit is described by the Movement as a participatory community initiative in which branded plastic waste is gathered, counted, and documented to identify the companies responsible for plastic pollution. The brand audits have been running for six consecutive years, and in 2023, 250 brand audits were conducted by 8,804 volunteers in 41 countries, and together, they collected and audited over five hundred thousand pieces of plastic waste. We speak to Miko Alino, the Project Coordinator for Corporate Accountability at the Break Free From Plastic Movement, to discuss the findings and key insights from the report, and how the movement hopes the Brand Audit Report will influence corporate accountability regarding plastic waste.

Image credit: Break Free From Plastic

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pangolins, often referred to as scaly anteaters or ‘tenggiling’ here in Malaysia, are fascinating creatures renowned for their unique armour-like scales and elusive nature. Despite their ecological importance in pest control, pangolins face dire threats from the illegal wildlife trade - trafficked for their scales and meat - and have the unfortunate distinction of being the most trafficked mammals globally. Facing extinction due to unsustainable exploitation, conservation efforts are crucial to safeguard pangolins and maintain ecosystem balance, as their decline disrupts ecosystems, risking biodiversity loss and compromising ecosystems' resilience. We celebrated World Pangolin Day earlier in February, and in conjunction with that, we catch up with Kanitha Krishnasamy (Director, Traffic Southeast Asia) and Elizabeth John (Senior Communications Officer, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia) to discuss what more can be done to protect these precious creatures.

Image Credits: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're closing off February this week, cue another roundup of top conservation news with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn. 2023 was the planet's warmest year on record, and just last Saturday, Met Malaysia issued a Level 1 Heat Wave Warning. Scientists have underlined the need for urgent action, but it has also led coral ecologists to warn about coral bleaching and even add new alert levels to track potential risks to coral reefs. We discuss this first, before turning our attention to the recently convened 2nd meeting of the Ad Hoc Joint Task Force (JTF) on the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and discussions around the smooth implementation and understanding of the EUDR here in Malaysia and Indonesia. Finally, we look to East Malaysia, where Sarawak has nearly doubled the population of its crocodiles, but this has also led to increased human-crocodile conflicts - we discuss the implications of this conservation success and more. 

Image credits: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tawau is the third largest town in Sabah, located on the East coast of the state, that shares a border with North Kalimantan. The area is an eco-tourist's dream, with attractions such as the Tawau Hills National Park, the Ulu Kalumpang Forest Reserve, and also the Maliau Basin Conservation Area and Danum Valley Conservation Area not too far away, offering undisturbed nature and eco adventures. Rainforests aside, there are beautiful, breathtaking unspoiled islands like Kapalai, Sipadan, Mataking, Mabul, Sibuan offering snorkelling and diving adventures galore. We explore what Tawau and its surrounding areas have to offer with Andrew Sebastian, the Founder & CEO, Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia. Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Malaysia. Done in collaboration with the Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), we want to take you back to the great outdoors, and experience the many off-the-beaten-track nature spots our country has to offer. 

Image credits: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s diverse climate and geography form ideal habitats for Nepenthes, which are better known here as ‘periuk kera’. These animal-eating pitcher plants which lures unsuspecting prey with its sweet nectar, has evolved to thrive in nutrient-poor soils, and is a sought after plant by collectors. This and other human activities, ranging from habitat destruction to poaching to fuel illicit trade of pitcher plants, drives the Nepenthes to the brink of endangerment. One of the ways conservationists are responding to these threats is by making pitcher plants so common that their allure in the wild diminishes, borrowing from the late Australian botanist Allen Lowrie's strategy to “make them as common as muck”. The focus of two new articles by online journalism portal Macaranga, we speak to contributing writers Ashley Yeong and Bryan Yong, and Editor, Wong Siew Lyn, to discover more about Nepenthes, and to discuss how Malaysia is trying to protect our own pitcher plants from extinction. 

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Langur Project Penang (LPP), is a social enterprise in Penang that works for the conservation of primates, specifically to cultivate coexistence among humans and urban monkeys in Peninsular Malaysia. The team has been studying dusky langurs in urban Penang for several years and found that there is a need to help langurs and other treetop animals cross roads more safely. Artificial crossing structures like rope canopy bridges have been used in several countries, to reconnect separated forest patches or habitat fragments and to allow safe passage for small animals. In 2019, LPP made history by successfully setting up Malaysia’s first urban canopy bridge in Teluk Bahang, Penang. The bridge has since been used by various wildlife to cross the busy road to this day, with zero primate roadkill at the site. Recently, the group successfully launched the first of three residential road canopy bridges in Penang UNESCO Biosphere Reserve’s residential areas and we find out more from Dr. Yap Jo Leen (Head of Langur Project Penang (LPP), Wildlife Researcher and Environmental Educator), Lee Joey (Project Executive, Langur Project Penang) and Wong Hui Yi (Environmental Communicator, Langur Project Penang).

Image credit: The Langur Project Penang (LPP)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's almost time for Chinese New Year, starting a year of the Wood Dragon, which symbolises power, strength and good fortune. As folks get busy preparing for a festival associated with abundance, we wanted to share some tips on innovative ways to perhaps celebrate a more sustainable Lunar New Year. We enlist the help of Khor Sue Yee, the Co-founder and Director of Zero Waste Malaysia, who will share some creative ideas for ushering in the Year of the Dragon with mindfulness and environmental responsibility. From eco-friendly decorations to sustainable feasting practices, Sue Yee will also delve into the traditions and customs that can be adapted to reduce waste, and minimise our ecological footprint during this festive season. 

Image credit: Shutterstock Inc.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's always a delight to spot butterflies, not just for their aesthetic value, but also because we know they are indicators of a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems. But even for these gentle Lepidoptera, threats abound, impacting their survival. Habitat change, development, climate change, widespread pesticide use, and invasive species are just some of the threats they face, because of both direct and indirect impacts on native host plants. In Malaysia, Dr Rosli Omar, a naturalist and wildlife photographer took part in two surveys on butterflies - one in Batu Caves back in 2019, and more recently, one in Bukit Dinding in Wangsa Maju, KL. Dr Rosli has also published a book called Butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia, with a checklist of Scientific, English and Malay names. He joins us to share more about his discoveries and observations of butterfly species in Malaysia through such surveys, and his recommendations or actions to protect remaining species.

Image Credit: Omar, R., Aziz, A.A. & Badrud’din, S. (2023). Butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia: with a checklist of Scientific, English and Malay names. Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Malaysia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know that with rapid urbanisation comes losses to the natural environment - urban biodiversity is threatened by intensive land-use change, and also from gardening and landscaping practices that disrupt native biodiversity in the process, contributing to the loss of flora and fauna from ecological communities. How can we address these challenges in urban ecology and conservation? That's where the Urban Biodiversity Initiative’’ (UBI) comes in - they are an independent social enterprise for urban ecology research, conservation and environmental education, based at the Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden, Universiti Malaya (UM). We speak to Dr. Thary Gazi Goh, an entomologist, conservationist, wildlife educator and Managing Partner of UBI to discuss how UBI contributes to urban ecology research, conservation, and environmental education, and also to explore strategies that Malaysians can implement to effectively conserve biodiversity in our cities. 

Image Credit: Urban Biodiversity Initiative (UBI)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we conclude the first month of the year, it's also time for a quick roundup of top environmental stories from the month that was January 2024 - as always, we're joined by the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua. It's not all peachy on the environmental news front - first, we discuss updates from the shocking 2019 chemical toxic waste pollution that happened in and around Sg Kim Kim, in Pasir Gudang, Johor. Next, we discuss how the Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal of two NGOs, PEKA and SACF, to initiate judicial review proceedings to challenge the degazettement of Bukit Cherakah as a forest reserve. Finally we head to East Malaysia, where the Sarawak state government is proceeding with plans to construct three more hydroelectric dams, despite several objections and concerns by locals living in and around the areas that will be affected.  

Image credit from left to right:

top: Shutterstock Inc, Shah Alam Community Forest Society

bottom: Shutterstock Inc, Shutterstock Inc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Malaysia. Done in collaboration with the Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), we want to take you back to the great outdoors, and experience the many off-the-beaten-track nature spots our country has to offer. This month, we're going to Negeri Sembilan, more specifically, towards the east and southeast of Seremban, for some trekking and sightseeing! Three places on our list - first there’s Kuala Pilah, where we will explore the Ulu Bendul Recreational Forest, before we head to the Kenaboi State Park, a primary forest full of wildlife, birds, streams and waterfalls too. Finally we head to the Gunung Datuk Recreational Forest, known for its hiking trails, with varying difficulty levels, promising something for everyone. We explore what nature lovers can find at all three locations with Andrew Sebastian, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of ECOMY.

Image Credit: Shutterstock Inc

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thaipusam falls on the 25th of January this year, with throngs of Hindu devotees here in the Klang Valley heading to the Sri Subrarmaniam Swamy Temple Cave in Batu Caves to commemorate the triumph of Lord Murugan, and the victory of good over evil. But the limestone karst hill that is Batu Caves is also an outstanding nature monument, and of paramount scientific importance for its cave ecosystem and unique animal and plant biodiversity that includes many rare and/or endemic organisms. We speak to eminent botanist Dr Ruth Kiew, and geologist Dr. Ros Fatihah Muhammad, who are both with the Malaysian Cave and Karst Conservancy (MCKC), about the history and wonders of Batu Caves, but also the threats to the area, and why there is an urgent need to secure and permanently protect Batu Caves. We also discuss the important findings from the Batu Caves Scientific Expedition, which Dr Ruth spearheaded back in 2019.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monkeys got your garbage bins? It's not an uncommon complaint among Malaysians that monkeys, more often than not long-tailed macaques, are pests in their neighbourhoods, rummaging through bins and causing a big stink in their wake. But as natural spaces dwindle due to deforestation, and expanding human activities encroach on wildlife habitats, conflicts and interactions between humans and wildlife have become almost unavoidable. That's where The Animal Neighbours Project comes in, with their community-based approach to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in urban areas through a combination of research and education. We catch up with veterinarian Dr Sharmini Julita Paramasivam, who is also an Associate Professor at the University of Surrey, and the Founder & Project Lead of The Animal Neighbours Project, to find out how they are teaching the wildest creatures of them all - humans - to better coexist with other wildlife in Malaysia.

Image Credits: The Animal Neighbors Project

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lost Food Project (TLFP) is a not-for-profit organisation in Malaysia that rescues good food that would otherwise end up in landfills, and redistributes it to those in need. They have also teamed up with other organisations to tackle issues on saving food and reducing waste, and in 2023 alone, they rescued a whopping 2.28 million kg of food, the equivalent of over 6.5 million nutritious meals, and prevented 5.7 million kg of greenhouse gases from being emitted. Their latest endeavour is the Surplus Pet Food Project, an initiative aimed at supporting animal shelters, rescuers and street feeders. We catch up with Suzanne Mooney, TLFP's founder, and Gayathri Liew (PR and Communications Manager, TLFP) to discuss their new initiatives in preventing food waste.

Image credit: The Lost Food Project

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ecotourism & Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY) is an environmental NGO that is focussed on conserving Malaysia’s unique habitats, plants and wildlife, and to actively promote and pursue sustainable tourism as one key element in conservation. The group, founded by leading naturalists in Malaysia, have also been working on several projects with the Orang Asli Bateq tribe of Kampung Aur, who live along the Tembeling River in Kuala Tahan, Pahang. The initiatives include assisting them to gain access to clean water and proper sanitation, providing the community with solar lamps to assist with their energy needs, and even supplying humanitarian aid during the monsoon season. Another recent project has been to train the community's youth to become certified tour guides, to promote sustainable tourism in the area. We catch up with Andrew Sebastian, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of ECOMY, to discuss the group's latest initiative, which saw 10 Orang Asli youths receiving training and doing fieldwork to become certified tour guides, to generate income for themselves and their community.

Image Credit: Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia FB Page

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malaysia's race towards achieving 70% renewable energy by 2050, hydroelectric power claims 11% of that share. More mini-hydroelectric dams are being built, as they are cheaper, and said to have less environmental impact. In Perak, the state government has awarded 31 mini-hydro projects in the state involving 49 rivers, but several have already impacted and are in conflict with several indigenous communities there. This is being explored in Macaranga's latest article, Perak Dams Threaten Stone Spirits and Ancestral Graves, and we discuss the clash between renewable energy goals and indigenous communities with Ashley Yeong, the writer of the article, and also with Wong Siew Lyn (editor and co-founder, Macaranga) and Piarapakaran Subramaniam (President, Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER).

Image Credit: Ashley Yeong

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is recognised as one of the world’s megadiverse countries, and is listed among the top 12 biodiversity rich countries, in terms of species richness and endemism. This biological diversity spans through ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity, but, there seems to be a general lack of awareness of the importance of biodiversity throughout the country, as well as significant knowledge gaps. The National Policy on Biological Diversity 2022 –2030 aims to tackle that through its five goals, 17 targets, and 61 actions, by providing the direction and framework for Malaysia to not only conserve its biodiversity, but to promote its sustainable use, and ensure fair and equitable sharing of its benefits in the face of increasingly complex challenges, both now and in the future. We discuss this and more with Preetha Sankar, an environmental lawyer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COP28, the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, was held in Dubai from 30 November to 13 December 2023. It was bound to be a controversial COP, being held in the UAE, whose economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas. That said, among the many outcomes from the negotiations was the agreement to “transition away from fossil fuels" (as opposed to phasing out of all fossil fuels) and US$700 million being pledged to the "loss and damage" fund (which falls short of the estimated $400bn damage caused by climate change each year.) So what were the controversies and highlights at COP28, and more importantly, what lies ahead following these negotiations, for an already climate-impacted world? We discuss this and more with Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia and the Head of Programmes at the Third World Network (TWN).

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are at the end of 2023 – as always, it's been quite a year for our environment and natural resources, so we take a look back at the year past with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua, who will remind us about some of the big stories from 2023. In particular, we discuss the achievements of the (now former) Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry (NRECC) and the challenges that remain ahead, before we focus on Pahang, and some of the state's achievements, including the gazettement of the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tigers Reserve. We also discuss our oceans and the increase of Marine Protected Areas in Malaysia, before taking on rare earth mining, which is big business for countries with reserves like ours, but how are we working on ensuring transparency and accountability in the rare earth industry? Then we discuss the European Union's new regulation to curb the EU market's impact on global deforestation and forest degradation, or the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and how that could impact Malaysia, before finally discussing how a changing climate has impacted our food security in Malaysia.

Image Credit(s): 

Shutterstock/Paman Aheri, Zeti Akhzar

Kementerian Ekonomi

Reef Check Malaysia

Lynas

World Animal Foundation

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise in price for imported rice in Malaysia saw consumers chasing cheaper locally grown products - but Malaysia isn't producing enough rice to support our local demand. In the village of Long Semadoh in Sarawak though, rice is abundant in both variety and amount - they grow what is known as heirloom rice. Environmental journalism portal Macaranga recently released an in-depth article on this, called "Sowing Seeds of Resilience in Heirloom Rice" which looks at heirloom rice farming in Sarawak, and its contributions to addressing food security concerns and safeguarding heirloom rice varieties. We discuss the history and future of heirloom rice farming in Malaysia, and what steps can be taken to further enhance its contribution to food security and economic development in rural areas with Liani MK (contributing writer, Macaranga), Wong Siew Lyn, (Editor, Macaranga) and Peter Tadam, a tour guide from the farming community of Long Semadoh, Sarawak.

Image Credit: Shutterstock/Abang Faizul

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March 2022, a global commitment was made to negotiate a comprehensive plastics treaty, addressing the entire life cycle of plastic. Now at the end of 2023, countries are still grappling with disagreements, particularly from "low-ambition" nations disputing fundamental terms like "plastics" and "life cycle." Despite some progress, such as increased support for tackling harmful additives, the recent third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC) ended in frustration. Negotiators now lack a formal work plan for the upcoming five months before the next discussions, and multiple advocacy groups express concerns about the significant delays, questioning the fulfilment of the promise to establish a robust, binding plastics treaty that the world urgently requires. Will the treaty succumb to inertia and eventual disaster, if no progress is made? We discuss this and more with Mageswari Sangaralingam, a Senior Research Officer from Sahabat Alam Malaysia, and the Consumers Association of Penang.

Image Credit: Shutterstock/aldarinho

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born in 1823, Alfred Russel Wallace was a pioneering naturalist and biologist whose significant contributions to the field of natural history paralleled those of Charles Darwin. Wallace independently formulated the theory of evolution through natural selection, a concept he developed during his extensive explorations of the Malay Archipelago, and his groundbreaking work in the 19th century is said to have laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology. Wallace's collections from the Malay Archipelago included a vast array of specimens, from insects to birds, providing crucial evidence for his evolutionary theories, and his book, "The Malay Archipelago," chronicles his travels and observations, offering invaluable insights into the region's biodiversity and cultural diversity. We reflect on his life with Palaeontologist & Zooarchaeologist Lim Tze Tshen, who is attached with the Sarawak Museum and the Geology Dept of Universiti Malaya, to mark the bicentenary of Wallace's birth, and to discuss how Wallace's life and legacy continue to inspire and shape our understanding of the natural world.

Image Credit: Natural History Museum, PBS, Wikimedia Commons

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Methane is the second-largest contributor to global warming after Carbon Dioxide and reducing methane emissions is crucial due to its significant impact on short-term global warming. Recognising this importance is often hindered by unclear information, but scientists are working hard to increase awareness on the issue, as methane emission reductions are considered a readily achievable and cost-effective solution, making them a low-hanging fruit in the quest for overall emission reduction. Malaysia signed the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) in November 2021 along with around 100 other countries - what progress have we seen from our country in that area since then? In 2022, civil society organisation CERAH formed a partnership with the University of Malaya, the University of Nottingham Malaysia, and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to promote transparency, public engagement, and progress on methane emissions reduction in Malaysia, through the CERAH-EDF Project. The project which recently concluded offers some key findings and recommendations, including the need to clearly articulate a national direction for methane action. We find out more from Dr. Helena Varkkey (Associate Professor of Environmental Politics and Governance, Universiti Malaya) and Dr. Matthew Ashfold (Atmospheric Scientist and Assoc Prof, University of  Nottingham Malaysia), who were both involved in the research project.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As November draws to a close, we look-back at some of the top environmental news from the month past with Law Yao Hua, the co-founder of environmental journalism portal Macaranga. This month, we discuss how Sarawak is officially the first state in the country to enact an anti-climate change law, and why this is a significant move in our country, before we turn our attention to some of the findings in the Auditor-General's Special Audit on Forest Management and Environmental Impact report, that was just tabled in Parliament on the 22nd of November 2023. Finally we look forward to Macaranga's first physical event happening in December, Semai & Tuai 2023.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, 123RF

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Malaysia. Done in collaboration with the Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), we want to take you back to the great outdoors, and experience the many off-the-beaten-track nature spots our country has to offer. This month, we're going to Langkawi, a UNESCO Global Geopark - OK, not exactly an unknown gem, but Langkawi has been in the news a lot lately, with reports pointing to declining visitors to the Jewel of Kedah for various reasons. Many tourism players have bemoaned the negative publicity, and would like to remind Malaysians that the island has plenty to offer aside from duty free goods, including some amazing ecotourism adventures. From its amazing Famous Flying Five and 500+ species of butterflies to the beautiful Gunung Raya, the archipelago is a naturalist's delight, and we explore what nature lovers can find there with Andrew Sebastian, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of ECOMY.

Listen to our previous episodes in the series:

Episode 1: Kuala Tahan

Episode 2: Pulau Bangau in Teluk Intan

Episode 3: Bukit Batu Putih in Port Dickson

Episode 4: The Sultan Iskandar Marine Park & More

Episode 5: Merapoh

Episode 6: Bukit Wang, Kedah

Episode 7: Kinabatangan River

Episode 8: Kundasang

Image Credit: Shutterstock/YusoffJalil

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Asia-Pacific Climate Week 2023 was one of the platforms for policymakers, practitioners, businesses and civil society to exchange on climate solutions, barriers to overcome and opportunities realised in different regions. The meeting was held last week in Johor Bahru, and we catch up with Kieran Li Nair from the Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD), to hear her perspective of what went down during this most recent meeting.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been almost a year since the new coalition government under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took power. While the PM has focused on fighting corruption and the rising cost of living, how are his and his administration's Green credentials shaping up? We discuss this with Adam Farhan, the co-founder and director of RimbaWatch, while also noting what the government should focus on for the next four years, when it comes to protecting our natural resources and environment.

Image Credit: Discovery Perak

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At last year’s COP27 summit in Egypt developing nations celebrated a victory when they secured an agreement on the Loss and Damage Fund – something that had been advocated for for decades. Following that, a transitional committee composed of members from developed and developing countries were tasked with discussing what this fund would look like - from who would pay into this fund to where it would be located - ahead of a final decision being made at COP28 in Nov/ Dec 2023. After what has been described as "lengthy and heated negotiations" a draft framework for a new UN fund to help nations recover from the “loss and damage” caused by climate change has been agreed upon, though with the US remaining isolated and expressing dissatisfaction at the draft. What were the points of contention? What is in the three-part package proposal, presented as a "take it or leave it" text by the Co-Chairs? We speak to Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia, and Head of Programmes at the Third World Network (TWN) to find out more.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know tigers were once found in Borneo? And that orangutans once roamed Selangor? What happened to them, in these areas? These are some of the questions Lim Tze Tshen aka Ah Tshen, a Vertebrate Palaeontologist and Zooarchaeologist tries to uncover, through his work. As a Vertebrate Palaeontologist, he researches animal fossils that have backbones, especially mammal species that can be found in the limestone caves in Malaysia. As a zooarchaeologist, he does research on animal remains found in archaeology sites, such as the ones found in Niah Cave in Sarawak, which were left behind by collectors and hunters from the prehistoric community. In both of these fields, he focuses on how ancient animals responded to environmental changes and hunting activities in the past, and uses this information to understand and address the crisis of biodiversity loss in the present day. He joins us to share more about his work.

Image Credit: Ah Tshen

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government launched the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) this year, outlining Malaysia’s plans towards achieving a sustainable and inclusive energy system, that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels, and moves us towards a low carbon economy. However, organisations like Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) have voiced concerns over some of the proposals in the roadmap, including hydrogen, and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies, which they believe require more thorough assessments and debate, before being accepted as appropriate solutions. We unpack some of these new technologies heralded as the solution to our climate woes - specifically Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and CCUS technologies - to discuss what it means, and whether it's "a greenwash to extend the life of fossil fuel assets, or a panacea to avert catastrophic climate change consequences" with Grant Hauber, who is a Strategic Energy Finance Adviser for Asia, at the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis. Grant also shares his findings based on two long-running Norwegian carbon capture and storage projects held up as the success stories of CCS, which he believes raises a cautionary tale about the technical and financial viability of the concept in the long run.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first draft of the groundbreaking Global Plastics Treaty - a new law to address plastic pollution - will be negotiated from November 11-19, 2023. This is a crucial step in the global fight against plastic pollution, but what does this actually mean for us? We discuss what the Global Plastics Treaty is all about, and the major challenges that lie ahead in implementing such a significant treaty with Shantini Guna Rajan, a Policy Lead, WWF-Malaysia.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The good people from environmental journalism portal Macaranga return, for another roundup of top environmental news from the month past. Lots of big (and rather alarming) news from October 2023 - Kelantan authorities are seeking to make changes to forest classification - RimbaWatch reports that there is an "unprecedented proposal" to remove all environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs) in Kelantan from the Kelantan State Structure Plan, Local Plan and Special Area Plan. Then just last week, we heard from SPAN that seven of our dams are in critical condition, due to ageing structures, which could spell danger for our water security in the country. And finally, the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (LPTA) just updated the current terms and conditions of Lynas’ operating licence, including the permission to import raw materials containing naturally occurring radioactive materials, and to allow Cracking and Leaching activities to continue, subject to certain conditions. What does all of this mean? We've got Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua, the co-founders of Macaranga to help break it all down for us.

Image Credit: 123RF, Wikimedia Commons

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Malaysia. Done in collaboration with the Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (ECOMY), we want to take you back to the great outdoors, and experience the many off-the-beaten-track nature spots our country has to offer. Last time, we explored the Kinabatangan River, and now we're still in Sabah, but in Kundasang, which is located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s tallest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But climbing the mountain isn't the only thing to do there, and Andrew Sebastian, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of ECOMY is here to help us explore the many eco-adventures available in the area.

Listen to our previous episodes in the series:

Episode 1: Kuala Tahan

Episode 2: Pulau Bangau in Teluk Intan

Episode 3: Bukit Batu Putih in Port Dickson

Episode 4: The Sultan Iskandar Marine Park & More

Episode 5: Merapoh

Episode 6: Bukit Wang, Kedah

Episode 7: Kinabatangan River

Image Credit: 123RF

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia recently conducted a mid-term review of its National Policy on Biological Diversity (NPBD) 2016 - 2025, in response to the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in December 2022. The new strategy was unveiled yesterday, the 24th of October 2023, and aims to fulfil global biodiversity targets by 2030. This is a crucial moment for Malaysia's dedication to conserving its natural heritage, and its involvement in the worldwide endeavour to safeguard biodiversity. We discuss Malaysia's incredible rich biodiversity, but also its significance within the evolving policy landscape of Malaysia, while also looking at the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in terms of protecting the rich biodiversity of our planet with Lakshmi Lavanya Rama Iyer, the Director of Policy & Climate Change at WWF-Malaysia.

Image Credit: 123RF/rebius, truengtra, naypong, shperspectives

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protecting coasts and oceans has multiple benefits for the environment, economy, society and culture, and in line with that, Malaysia is working hard to increase its biodiversity-rich coastal and marine protected areas (MPAs) by 2025. To date, Malaysia has protected only 5% of its ocean area, but the goal is to double that to protect at least 10% of its total land and marine areas, in line with the National Biodiversity Policy and the international Convention on Biological Diversity to which Malaysia is signatory. So how do we get there? What roles do traditional knowledge and culture play in all of this? We discuss this and more with Dr Jarina Mohd Jani, a Biocultural Conservationist at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and Wong Siew Lyn, the co-founder of Macaranga, who has written a host of articles on these very topics, under Macaranga's #Seaworld series.

Image Credit: Department of Fisheries Malaysia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Themed “Economic Reforms, Empowering the People,” Budget 2024 was announced on the 13th of October 2023, by Malaysia's Prime Minister & Finance Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Second Belanjawan MADANI has allocated RM393.8 billion - the highest budget ever tabled by any government in Malaysia’s history, with RM90 billion from the total allocated for development expenditure. We speak to three experts to discuss both highlights and missed opportunities from Budget 2024 in terms of allocations for the environment, covering biodiversity and nature conservation, the ESG agenda, and the transition towards a low-carbon economy, among others. Joining us to do that are Surin Suksuwan (Biodiversity Conservationist and Sustainability Practitioner), Dr Helena Varkkey (Associate Professor of Environmental Politics and Governance, Universiti Malaya) and Affendi Yang Amri (Coral Reef Ecologist, Universiti Malaya, and President, Malaysian Society of Marine Sciences).

Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KNOTs - or Knowledge: New Old Twists - is a social enterprise dedicated to promoting engaging and meaningful learning experiences for children, regardless of location. They do this through their Vanishing Classroom, which reintroduces outdoor and traditional learning methods to 21st-century students, and they encourage the utilisation of ecological ecosystems and outdoor environments. Their goal is to offer kids an immersive, hands-on education that goes beyond simply transferring knowledge, instead, they aim to create platforms that encourage skill application and practice. We speak to the co-founders of KNOTS, Johleen Koh and Nor Shidawati Abdul Rasid to find out more.  

Image Credit: KNOTs

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years after filing a defamation lawsuit against Indigenous grassroots organisation SAVE Rivers — logging company Samling withdrew the case, with a joint agreement between both parties. Following the successful outcome for SAVE Rivers, we caught up with the organisation's chairman and founding member, Peter Kallang, to discuss the group's plans moving forward.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years after filing a defamation lawsuit against Indigenous grassroots organisation SAVE Rivers, the logging company Samling withdrew the case with a joint agreement between both parties. Initially headed to the Miri High Court for trial on Monday, 18th September, the case was cancelled after a last minute settlement. We spoke to the lawyer representing SAVE RIVERS, Simon Siah, about the history of the case, and what this joint agreement means for both parties moving forward. We also caught up with Jettie Word, the Executive Director of The Borneo Project, to discuss the local and global support and campaigns that were launched in solidarity with SAVE RIVERS.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of us rejoiced at the birth of baby Axel, the first-ever gibbon born at a rehabilitation centre in Malaysia to rescued parents Ebony and Coley. For the first time after 10 years of operations, the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS) of Malaysia finally has a family so close to being released back into the wild, but before that can happen, Ebony, Coley and Axel will be closely monitored to ensure that they can survive and function like a proper gibbon family there. This process also includes health checks, food, release site surveys, equipment, and more, which GCS are currently fundraising for. We speak to Stephanie Theresa, the Vice President GCS, to find out more. 

Image Credit: Infinim Creative Productions/Stephanie Theresa

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WCS-Malaysia’s main activities revolve around helping the Malaysian government in conducting biological monitoring and supporting protection efforts of wildlife such as tiger, elephant, orang-utan as well as sharks and rays. Wildlife conservationist Dr. Mark Rayan Darmaraj assumed the role of Country Director for WCS-Malaysia back in 2021, and continues to work on implementing conservation strategies that protect habitats and species. We catch up with Mark to discuss WCS-Malaysia's work in more detail, specifically the group’s work on crafting science-based solutions, and taking conservation actions that benefit nature and humanity. 

Image Credits: WCS Malaysia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn, join us for a round-up of top environmental news from September 2023. This month, we look at big legal cases involving indigenous communities and their long-standing struggle for customary land rights in Malaysia, and how we expect to see even more legal suits concerning these issues playing out in the courtroom. Still on the topic of legal suits, we also discuss the implications of a recent Court of Appeal judgement in favour of a cement manufacturer carrying on quarrying in Perak's Gunung Kanthan, which would result in both the loss of biodiversity and a Buddhist monastery in the area. Finally we discuss what Malaysia's National Energy Transition Roadmap might look like - how are we planning to phase out coal by 2045 and increase solar energy, and are we considering nuclear energy to help minimise our emissions?

Image Credit: 123RF/dimaberkut, nskyroman, smon

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raised in Canada, residing in Malaysia, Anuar McAfee's background is in the field of education, but he is also an avid photographer, birder, conservationist, and author of the bilingual bird guidebook, Birds of Terengganu. The Director of the International Centre at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), and a committee member of the Malaysian Nature Society's Kuala Terengganu branch, Anuar uses the power of photography to help more of us understand the beauty and wonders of nature, while also sharing important reminders of all the natural heritage that needs protection in our beloved country. He joins us to share more about his passion for wildlife and bird photography, and how images can inspire conservation and environmental awareness, especially as we face the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Numbers vary, but most estimates state that there are about 4,000 tigers left in the wild - a far cry from their previous 100,000 population. The Eye on the Tiger exhibition is a photography exhibition featuring tigers, from over 30 of the world’s leading professional wildlife photographers. Presented by the Royal Albert Hall and Save Wild Tigers, the exhibition - which first premiered in 2018 - showcased stunning framed shots of tigers, which were available for purchase, with profits going to tiger conservation projects via Save Wild Tigers. That exhibition is now coming to Malaysia - the first country outside of the UK to host the exhibition - to raise awareness and funds for the plight of wild tigers, which face threats from poaching, the illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and human conflict. We find out more from Justine Vaz, the Executive Director of The Habitat Foundation and SC Shekar, a renowned photojournalist, whose work is featured in the exhibition.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rare earth mining is big business for countries with reserves, such as Malaysia, which has an estimated 16.1 billion tonnes of subterranean rare earth deposits. Rare earths are essential for green technology and climate goals, but their extraction and processing can cause environmental and social impacts. Malaysia aims to balance the economic benefits and environmental costs of rare earth mining, and to ensure transparency and accountability in the industry - but how? What are the challenges of rare earth mining? This, and plenty more are explored in Macaranga's recently published article, Unlocking Rare Earth Riches in Malaysia, co-written by environmental journalist Lee Kwai Han, and Macaranga's co-founder, Law Yao Hua. 

They join us to discuss the ethical and social implications of rare earth mining and consumption.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.