The Lentang Permanent Forest Reserve, in Pahang, is just what its name says it is: a forest reserve where the woods are protected by law so that they can stay intact permanently. Has that prevented illegal loggers from wantonly destroying whole swaths of virgin forest? You’ve guessed it: no. Illegal…
Out of sight, out of mind. That is often our attitude when it comes to environmental issues. For a few days or weeks, we get hot under the collar over yet another case of misconduct, yet another case of negligence, or yet another case of willful destruction. Yet often we…
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…
Residents of Bukit Goh, a city near Kuantan in Eastern Peninsular Malaysia, were given a jolt of excitement late last year when bauxite mining companies offered them between RM300,000 and RM800,000 (US$72,000 – $193,000) for every four hectares of their land that contained bauxite. After mulling it over, about 200…
Waste management in Malaysia is a serious problem, but local communities are fighting back. One program at a time, responsible citizens are investing their time and effort into cleaning up the communities, streets and parks in Malaysia. Just east of Kuala Lumpur, a neighborhood campaign in south Klang is working…
The Southeast Asian country of Malaysia is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the world. The 130 million year old rain forests that blanket much of its 329,847 square kilometres are full to the brim with natural wonders. Malaysia boasts over 200 mammal species, 600+ bird species, 250…
In reaction to rising concern over pollution caused by illegal Bauxite mining in Malaysia, the state of Pahang recently revoked the mineral ore licenses of 34 contractors. Home to 1.5 million people, Pahang is a highly populous area that is also rich in Bauxite. The heavy metal is extracted in…