Earth Matters

The Mak Jintan peat swamp forest in Terengganu is the last known virgin peat swamp in Peninsular Malaysia. Peatlands are essential ecosystems, teeming with biodiversity and playing a critical role in carbon storage and water regulation. So when plans emerged to convert the Mak Jintan peat swamp forest into an oil palm plantation, it sparked significant concern among scientists, conservationists, and even an industry regulator. We speak to Law Yao Hua, an environmental journalist and co-founder of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, about his recent investigations into this project, and we also explore the importance of these fragile ecosystems, and discuss sustainable ways to protect and manage them. 

Image Credit: YH Law

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We delve into the hidden treasures of the Nenggiri River caves and the looming environmental threats posed by the RM5 billion Nenggiri Hydroelectric Project in Kelantan. While the dam is expected to generate renewable energy, create 2,000 new jobs, and mitigate flood issues, it comes at a steep cost. For the Orang Asli in Gua Musang, this project will submerge 5,834 hectares of their ancestral forests, forcing them from their homeland and erasing vital traces of Temiar history. Joining us are Gideon Lim and Nicholas Tan, co-founders of the Malaysia Carnivorous Plants group (MyCP), who embarked on an expedition to explore these ancient caves back in 2022. Together, they share their firsthand experiences of discovering botanical wonders, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth, and shed light on the dam's irreversible impact on biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the lives of the indigenous Orang Asli communities.

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The Annual Terrapin Release, a significant and joyous event for Malaysia's terrapin conservation efforts, is happening soon. Organised and spearheaded by the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia, the event is held annually on the first Saturday of October, and is the climax of the Kemaman River Terrapin Conservation Project, a community-based project that has saved more than 9700 terrapin eggs from human consumption, and released more than 5000 head-started terrapins into the Kemaman River. Dr Chen Pelf Nyok, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia, joins us to share more about the significance of releasing these critically endangered species back into the wild, the challenges terrapins face, and how TCS is working to protect their fragile ecosystems. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock

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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

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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