The island of Penang has often been heralded as a forerunner in Malaysian sustainable development (such as it is), but that does not necessarily mean local authorities never put a foot wrong. In fact, they are false-stepping right now. An environmental NGO, Sahabat Alam Malaysia, has warned that proposed new coastal reclamation projects…

We live in a complex world with people often having competing agendas, and so the case has been with the three-month moratorium on bauxite mining in Pahang. Whereas environmentalists across Malaysia celebrated the government’s decision to outlaw all mining activities, effective of January 15, some locals in Kuantan, the ground…

When it comes to renewable energies, Malaysia isn’t exactly in the global big league. The country’s equatorial location makes it ideal for solar power, while its extensive forests can supply it with plenty of biomass. Yet for all that, the nation continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels. Needless to…

Most Malaysians left their former forest homes a long time ago, but now many of them may want to return to forests – or rather, to urban simulacrums of imitation woods. Living in teeming modern urban jungles, many citizens may find themselves longing for a renewed proximity to more natural…

Penang is an architectural gem renowned for its historic mélange of buildings constructed in British colonial, Indian, Chinese and Malay styles, all of which vie for attention in scenic arrangements. Now the island’s architectural landscape is set to be enriched further still – this time with a project promising green standards. A…

Buses emit 80% less carbon monoxide per passenger mile than a single-occupant auto.  Bus related accidents have one-twentieth the passenger fatality rates of automobile accidents.  Car accidents kill 40,000 people per year (and pollution kills just as many).  And riding the bus relieves stress and improves health. These facts and…

In perhaps one of Malaysia’s biggest environmental promises to date, the country has pledged to retain 50% of its forest cover.  The commitment was made during the global climate change convention COP21 in December.  It’s a brave promise, and will be a big win for Malaysia’s beautiful, rich, and quickly…

About 60% of Malaysia is covered by forest.  Though the country’s woodland environments have suffered mightily at the hands of short-sighted industrial, agricultural and urban development over the past several decades – Malaysia once enjoyed almost 100% forest cover – the trees remaining provide much to the nation.  The benefits trees and forests…

In yet another example of Malaysia being caught between a rock and a hard place when it comes to sustainability, plans for the controversial Kaiduan Dam were just approved. The Kaiduan Dam is planned for construction on the Papar River in Sabah, a Malaysian state facing a looming water crisis. …

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…

– 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…

Trying to shop sustainably can be a nightmare.  Where a product came from, how it was made, what it’s packaged in, where it was shipped and how one can dispose of it all make a big impact on the environment, and it’s a mess sorting all that out for every…

“Embattled” is almost putting it gently when it comes to what the Malaysian economy has been through lately. Front and center is the 1MDB scandal in which Prime Minister Najib Razak purportedly funneled $700 million into his personal accounts.  The story continues to unravel, but international investigations, a dramatic drop…

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…

Malaysia’s business world doesn’t have the brightest history when it comes to sustainability.  The entire country is famous for profit-driven and explosive growth at the cost of environment, the people are notorious for a “so what” attitude towards their environment, and the land has been heavily polluted and exploited to…

Focused on finding sustainable solutions for the future, a global business and environmental solutions provider called IRIS Corporation Berhad is a world apart from many Malaysian businesses. IRIS is a business is of significant influence in Malaysia.  Some achievements include pioneering the world’s first electronic passport in 1998 and introducing…