How to stop peatland becoming fuel for haze-causing fires that choke Malaysia


Drained and dried peatland in the Raja Musa Forest Reserve in Selangor was rehabilitated by using sand bags and fallen logs to block abandoned canals that had been dug to float out timber. — Filepic/The Star

Most of Malaysia’s peatland comprises peat swamp forest, which is said to be a critically endangered category of forested wetlands, and is usually located in coastal areas in all states except Kedah, Penang and Perlis.

Permanently waterlogged, these peat swamp forests are made up of layers of peat soil and water so acidic that many of the plants and animals that manage to survive in these places do not occur anywhere else in Asia.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
haze , climate change , fires , development

Next In Living

A Peruvian festive feast: A Peruvian chef shares his family Christmas recipes
An Italian chef reveals festive staples on his Christmas tables at home
How to make the most delicious cut-out Christmas cookies
The Toy Box: Last minute Christmas gift ideas for the whole family
Enjoy the feast, skip the bloating
US non-profit creates housing and social spaces for adults with disabilities
Sunny Side Up: Asking for help isn’t weak, it reveals our humanity
Demand for exotic pets drove wildlife crime to a record high in 2025: Interpol
Nuts over pistachios: Boosted by the 'Dubai chocolate' craze, Argentina bets on this nut
Senegal baskets are hot, but women weavers ask where's the money?

Others Also Read