A recent analysis of dry El Nino weather patterns suggests that they could persist even longer than usual this year – into rice planting seasons for Malaysia. The threat of El Nino on rice farming still looms in Malaysia’s future, but its effects are being felt now in the US. …

Malaysia was singled out for its innovative achievements upon the release of this year’s Global Innovation Index rankings earlier this month.  The honorable mention speaks to Malaysia’s social and economic growth, but leaves something to be explained considering the country’s troubled state. A worldwide rating system for innovation, the Global…

All of Malaysia’s marine environments are beautiful, but among the most astounding are its coral reefs.  Surrounded by warm tropical waters, Malaysia plays host to part of the Coral Triangle.  The Coral Triangle is recognized as the world’s foremost center of marine biodiversity and is a worldwide priority for conservation. …

At present, Malaysia finds itself in dire straits.  Prime Minister Najib Razak is at the center of an international scandal involving his alleged embezzlement of $700 million.  Two enormous protests have resulted (one anti-government and one pro-Malaysian pride) which have divided the country and brought race politics into the foreground. …

There’s a storm of controversy surrounding Malaysia’s recent rise as a major bauxite producer.  Bauxite mining has become a very profitable industry for the struggling country, but the pollution it creates is poisoning Malaysian citizens and ecosystems. About RM750 million (US$170.6 mil) has so far been generated from bauxite mining…

A recent survey revealed that the majority of expats in Malaysia enjoy high salaries, great health benefits and a very pleasant work/life environment.  It’s a good sign for Malaysia’s highrise economy, but these standards are in sharp contrast to the criminally low wages and human rights abuse common amongst migrant…

Coral reef destruction, ocean acidification and illegal fishing are gripping the island of Borneo, but an insightful marine conservation outfit is doing everything it can to reverse the damage. The Tropical Research and Conservation Center (TRACC) is a nonprofit organization based in Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo.  Running…

The European Union is one of the largest sources of foreign investment in ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations), and has been fueling a lot of big business especially in Malaysia.  A huge byproduct of this investment is the enabling of environmental problems, but the EU hasn’t offered to lend a…

Illegal bauxite mining is quickly degrading life of all kinds in Malaysia.  The country’s people, environment, and potential for development are all suffering from a rush of poorly regulated mining operations – but despite promises to shut down mines, politicians have not been taking action. Pahang, a populous state in…

Because haze in Indonesia often blows over to become haze in Malaysia, both countries often suffer from Indonesian fires.  It is for this reason that Malaysia’s Natural Resources and Environment Minister will soon be meeting with his Indonesian counterpart to discuss the matter of transboundary haze pollution. The Malaysian environmental…

The annual CSR Asia Summit is coming to Kuala Lumpur this year, where businesses will discuss how they can contribute to social good, sustainable development and efforts to protect the environment surrounding them. Recognized as the most innovative and thought-provoking conference on CSR (corporate social responsibility) in Southeast Asia, the…

In what could be a huge step in protecting the environment, the group of Southeast Asian nations known as ASEAN is reportedly getting close to qualifying environmental offenses as transnational organized crime. The revised definition would be fitting, as environmental crime in Southeast Asia is often a highly organized affair. …

Malaysia’s landfills are spilling over, its recycling rates are low and the country is making more trash than its infrastructure can handle, but an environmental waste management company has an idea that could solve all these problems at once. SP Multitech is a company providing environmental waste management in Malaysia. …

Since January this year, hundreds of abuse cases involving migrant workers in Malaysia have been recorded.  The offenses range from unsanitary conditions and illegally low wages all the way up to forced labor. Tales of physical abuse, crippling hours and filthy conditions with no electricity, running water or even mattresses…

Gunung Mulu National Park is a stunning environmental reserve in Sarawak, Eastern Malaysia.  Though most famous for its natural beauty, the area is continually being proven important to Malaysia and the rest of the world in many other ways. A combination of forests, caves, wildlife and breathtaking karst stone formations,…

As fires continue to rage through Indonesia and the haze they produce chokes Singapore, Malaysia and neighboring countries, people are looking for answers.  When will it stop?  What is Indonesia doing about it?  Will it happen again next year?  Indonesia has been promising for years to step up security –…