New Rules Seek to Reduce the Threat of Oil Spills in Malaysia

New Rules Seek to Reduce the Threat of Oil Spills in Malaysia

Azure waters. Palm-lined sandy beaches. Picturesque corals with bountiful marine life. So go the usual descriptors of Malaysia’s shorelines in popular tourist brochures, which dutifully reel off the pristine beauties of the country’s natural maritime features and resources. Such laudatory prose isn’t unjustified, of course, but a lot of those…

‘It Wasn’t Me’: Pahang MB Rejects Responsibility for Bauxite Fiasco

‘It Wasn’t Me’: Pahang MB Rejects Responsibility for Bauxite Fiasco

Whoever may be responsible, it isn’t me. That seems to have been the attitude of officials in the Malaysian state of Pahang, where hazardous chemicals from bauxite mines have inflicted untold damage on local ecosystems through the unscrupulous actions of local operators. The latest official to reject responsibility for the…

Sarawak Chief Minister Promises Decisive Action against Illegal Loggers

Sarawak Chief Minister Promises Decisive Action against Illegal Loggers

If you think you can carry on destroying Sarawak’s forests, think again – that is the warning that the state’s Chief Minister Adenan Satem has issued to illegal loggers. Mincing no words during a meeting for local ministers in scenic Santubong in Borneo, Adenan decried the “desecration” of the island’s…

5 European Nations Promise 100% Sustainable Palm Oil

5 European Nations Promise 100% Sustainable Palm Oil

The governments of France, Germany, the UK, Denmark and the Netherlands have officially pledged to make palm oil production 100% sustainable by 2020.  By ensuring that they demand only certified sustainable palm oil, these countries aim to force ethical and environmental practice on an industry punishing ecosystems across the globe….

What 1MDB Sackings could mean for Malaysia’s Environment

What 1MDB Sackings could mean for Malaysia’s Environment

A long list of sackings, arrests and detainments by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Najib Razak and his UMNO party have cast doubt on the government’s willingness to honor freedom of speech.  With government officials and outspoken citizens alike being fired or jailed for airing their opinions, the outlook for Malaysia’s democracy…

Malaysia could Learn from China’s Environmental Woes

Malaysia could Learn from China’s Environmental Woes

A welcome departure from the Malaysian habit of favoring short-term economic growth over environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability has come – quite surprisingly – from the government. A Malaysian Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department by the name of Datuk Mah Siew Keong recently took a trip to China. He…

Global Climate March | Malaysia’s Crucial Kick-Off

Global Climate March | Malaysia’s Crucial Kick-Off

Today, on Sunday November 29, millions of people are taking to the streets and banding together against climate change.  The event is called the Global Climate March, its purpose is to pressure governments to find solutions to perhaps the world’s biggest problem at the upcoming COP21 global climate change talks…

How Long a Shadow will the 1MDB Scandal Cast on Malaysia’s Economy?

How Long a Shadow will the 1MDB Scandal Cast on Malaysia’s Economy?

By now, most of the world knows about the scandal gripping Malaysia’s government.  If you’re new to the issue, the nutshell version is that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been accused of funneling some $700 million into his personal accounts through a “strategic development fund” called 1MDB that is…

A Potential Export Ban on Bauxite in Malaysia

A Potential Export Ban on Bauxite in Malaysia

After months of suffering from intense industrial pollution, the residents of Pahang – Malaysia’s unofficial bauxite mining capital – could be looking at some relief.  The Malaysian Federal Government agreed on November 16 to suggest a temporary suspension of bauxite exports from Pahang. In order to carry on with the…

US-ASEAN Summit 2015: Will Obama call Malaysia to Task on Environment?

US-ASEAN Summit 2015: Will Obama call Malaysia to Task on Environment?

– Originally published on International Policy Digest by Clean Malaysia’s Editor in Chief Brandon Taylor – President Barack Obama has just packed his bags and embarked on a trip to Kuala Lumpur.  The reason for the trip is the third US-ASEAN Summit, and the meeting will have important implications for the environment…

Malaysia Dropping the Ball as ASEAN Chair

Malaysia Dropping the Ball as ASEAN Chair

For the first time in 10 years, Malaysia is official chair of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).  This honor rotates each year between member nations, and carries with it expectations of high achievement.  As one of ASEAN’s five founding members, Malaysia especially has been expected to lead…

Transgender Abuse Erodes Human Rights in Malaysia

Transgender Abuse Erodes Human Rights in Malaysia

“I was detained by Religious Department officials who stripped and sexually assaulted me. They were rough. My breast (implants) were squeezed. One of them took a baton and poked my genitals. Everyone – male and female officials – took photos of my naked body.” There are an estimated 10,000 transgender…