‘3.2m hectares of natural forests at risk’
In Malaysia, a staggering 3.2 million hectares of natural forests are facing the threat of deforestation, amounting to 16% of the nation’s forest areas. This dire projection is the key finding in the latest report titled “State of the Malaysian Rainforest 2024,” conducted by RimbaWatch, an independent environmental watchdog keen on the impacts of climate change.
The comprehensive study highlights an alarming trend—the transformation of 2.4 million hectares of forest reserves into timber plantations, marking the primary hazard to the country’s rich biodiversity and forest cover. RimbaWatch’s comprehensive analysis underscores the looming danger, with 76% of this threat attributed to these plantation activities. Additional pressures come from the development of hydropower projects, the degazettement of forest areas, and the expansion of oil palm estates.
Among the findings shared, significant portions of land, previously believed to be safeguarded, like the areas surrounding Bukit Lagong near Kuala Lumpur, are now targeted for commercial exploitation. Plans unveiled by the research showcase intentions to allocate around 850 hectares to multiple quarry operations, challenging prior assurances of conservation and environmental stewardship.
The regions of Sabah, Sarawak, Kelantan, and Pahang emerge as focal points in this unsettling trend, with such actions posing a substantial risk to Malaysia’s forest cover and, subsequently, its commitment to preserving at least 50% as forested territories. These forests are not just expanses of green but vital carbon sinks; clearing them would release approximately 368 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, further exacerbating the global climate crisis.
Aside from the environmental toll, the social ramifications cannot be ignored. Indigenous communities, whose life and culture are intrinsically linked to these forests, find themselves at risk of displacement and cultural erosion. The monthly clearance of hundreds of hectares of such lands, often conducted without the communities’ consent, paints a grim picture of the future for these custodians of nature.
The cascading effects of turning forests into timber plantations include heightened instances of floods, landslides, and an increase in local temperatures—challenges that compound the nation’s vulnerability to climate change. Studies have suggested that deforestation could lead to a local temperature increase of up to 4.5°C, a shift that could render certain areas nearly uninhabitable.
Malaysia’s diverse ecosystems and unique biodiversity, pivotal for ecological balance and resilience against climate adversities, are under threat. The potential rise in local temperatures and the sheer scale of biodiversity loss signal distressing outcomes, not only for the environment but also for the country’s socio-economic fabric.
As a countermeasure, RimbaWatch advocates for an immediate halt to the conversion of forest reserves into industrial plantations and calls for a national strategy to significantly increase the coverage of natural forests. Such measures are deemed vital for the health of the nation’s environment, necessitating actions that are both strategic and legislative in nature, encompassing efforts at both the federal and state levels.
Malaysia faces a crossroads in its environmental policy and conservation efforts. The call to preserve its forests resonates with a broader need to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and secure a sustainable future for all its inhabitants. The forthcoming Climate Change Act presents an opportunity to enshrine these imperatives into law, offering hope for a green recovery path that honors Malaysia’s rich natural heritage.
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