Make environment a priority

Many are concerned about logging activities within the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve, one of Kedahs most important water catchment forests. The Muda and Pedu dams (seen here in the distance) are the major collection points for clean water, filtered along the drainage basin.

IT is heartening to know that 69% of Malaysian voters consider environmental protection to be one of the factors that will influence the way they will vote in the 14th General Election (GE14), according to TheStarOnline report “Pakatan manifesto on environmental protection more specific, say activists” (April 15).

For far too long, sustainability and environmental conservation has been put on the back burner or seen as something ideal but not essential. The destruction and human suffering caused by the floods in the east coast states in December 2014, the droughts in the same year which led to water rationing in Selangor, pollution of water sources in Cameron Highlands, reduced fish by-catch, the clearing of more land and forest for highway and infrastructure construction, recurring haze, wildlife deaths and the economic uncertainty arising from the European Parliament’s proposed ban on palm oil biodiesel from Malaysia for environmental reasons have all played a role in raising public awareness on the interconnectedness of human and environmental well-being.