In a city as dynamic as Kuala Lumpur, the drive for urban renewal brings both opportunities and challenges. KLRA+ SD , a network of resident associations, NGOs, and academic institutions, is dedicated to advocating for policies that prioritise community interests over purely transactional property development. We speak to Tan Booi Charn (Chairperson, KLRA+ SD), Han Jun Siew (Volunteer, KLRA+ SD) and independent researcher Peter Leong, to discuss KLRA+ SD's efforts to create a sustainable and liv...
Nov 18, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Despite being home to some of the world’s most unique species, Malaysia ranks 106th on the 2024 Nature Conservation Index (NCI), underscoring both its rich biodiversity, and the many risks it faces. The index, which evaluates conservation efforts globally, points to challenges like land management, invasive species, and climate change as key areas for improvement. We speak to biologist Chrishen Gomez from Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, to discuss the NCI’s methodology and findings...
Nov 13, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast In Kuching, outdated drainage infrastructure and rapid urbanisation have exacerbated flash flooding, leaving residents vulnerable and frequently facing severe property damage and safety risks. Persistent heavy rainfall, worsened by climate change, causes rivers to swell and drains to overflow, inundating homes, cars, and streets. For locals living there, flooding is a recurring crisis, disrupting lives, destroying belongings, and even bringing wildlife hazards into urban areas. While government ...
Nov 11, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), will take place from the 11th to the 22nd November 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Described as a "pivotal opportunity to accelerate action to tackle the climate crisis" what are the key focus areas for these talks, and what's at stake? We chat with Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia, to discuss this and more. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Nov 06, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Malaysia is home to ten hornbill species, who play vital roles in preserving the delicate balance of our natural ecosystems. But these beautiful and iconic birds face threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and also suffer from the effects of climate change. We explore how conservation efforts - driven by science and community involvement - are giving hornbills a fighting chance in Malaysia’s rainforests. Joining us are wildlife researcher Dr. Ravinder Kaur (Wildlife Researcher, CoFounder, xplor...
Nov 04, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast In a follow up interview, we speak to Datuk Dr. John Payne, the CEO of Bringing Back Our Rare Animals (BORA) , a pioneering conservation organisation based in Sabah. Originally founded to prevent the extinction of the Sumatran or Hairy rhinoceros, BORA has now expanded its focus to include efforts to boost wild food productivity for endangered species such as Bornean orangutans, elephants, and the often-overlooked native wild cattle species. Dr. Payne shares insights into BORA’s unique approach ...
Oct 30, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Macaranga Wrap-Up is our ongoing monthly series done in collaboration with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga , where we cover the top environmental news from the month past. This October, we cover Malaysia's proposed Climate Change Act and what it will hopefully encapsulate, before turning our attention to extra responsibilities for Op Bersepadu Khazanah (OBK) operations, which will now also include safeguarding Malaysia's rare earth element (REE) and mineral deposit s...
Oct 28, 2024•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Budget 2025 was announced on the 18th of October 2024, by Malaysia's Prime Minister & Finance Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. We speak to Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and Head of Programmes at the Third World Network, to discuss both highlights and missed opportunities from Budget 2025 in terms of allocations for the environment. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for pri...
Oct 23, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ecotourism offers significant benefits to both people and the planet by promoting responsible travel that conserves the environment, sustains local communities, and fosters cultural appreciation. The Sustainable Tourism Network Malaysia is a platform aimed at fostering responsible travel and supporting operators in adopting more sustainable approaches. We find out more about their work and plans from Justine Vaz, the Executive Director of The Habitat Foundation and Mariam Ghani, a Senior Program...
Oct 21, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast In conjunction with the Journey to End Plastic Pollution event, we speak to Weng Dun Xin, a Zero Waste Campaigner, at Greenpeace SEA (Malaysia), to explore the pressing issue of plastic pollution and its far-reaching impacts on our health, wildlife, and climate. The three-day event, organised by the Malaysia Stop Waste Trade Coalition, will feature art installations, interactive activities, and expert-led discussions to shine a light on the dark side of plastic and present real solutions. Image ...
Oct 16, 2024•9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sharks and rays are vital to marine ecosystems, but their populations are dwindling rapidly. Conservation efforts face challenges due to the lack of detailed data on their critical habitats, but in a bid to map these areas, a groundbreaking atlas has been created, drawing from the collaborative efforts of divers, fishers, and scientists. We explore more about Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) - regions identified as critical for the conservation of shark and ray species based on scientific c...
Oct 15, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Malaysia's Budget 2025 will be tabled in parliament on the 18th of October. How will the Madani government prioritise environmental sustainability and sustainable financing of the economy? We speak to two Malaysians working in the environment and conservation field - Thing Siew Shuen, the Senior Program Manager of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, and Celine Lim, the Managing Director of Save Rivers - about their wishlist for Budget 2025. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image...
Oct 14, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast We catch up with Adam Farhan, the Director of environmental watchdog RimbaWatch , for updates on some of the research and analysis they have been focussing on over the last few months. First, we look back at the State of the Malaysian Rainforest 2024 report which was released back in May, which found that up to 3.2 million hectares of Malaysian rainforests are at risk – an area nearly the size of Pahang. Then, we turn our attention to two recent reports released by RimbaWatch, first on the propo...
Oct 09, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 ( Act 672 ) is one of Malaysia's key legislative frameworks, and was designed to address the shortcomings of waste management laws across Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territories, ensuring better coordination, enforcement and sustainability. What are some of the pressing issues Malaysia is facing when it comes to dealing with its waste, and how does this Act close the gaps or address inefficiencies in waste management here? We...
Oct 07, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Through innovative approaches and collaborations, BORA or Bringing Back Our Rare Animals , is working to reverse the decline of rare species, and safeguard Malaysia's unique biodiversity for future generations. Datuk Dr. John Payne, the Chief Executive Officer of BORA, shares insights into the organisation’s mission to prevent extinction and restore endangered species in Malaysia. He discusses BORA’s key initiatives, including habitat restoration, wildlife management, and the protection of criti...
Oct 02, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's time for another roundup of top environmental news from the month past, with Macaranga 's co-founders Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua. On this month's list, we have updates on EU’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and how environmental and rights groups have called on the EU to classify Sarawak as "high risk" under these new anti-deforestation regulations, and we also have updates on the first rhino horn smuggling incident to be heard in a Malaysian court, related to one of the largest rhino ...
Sep 30, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast As part of its Environmental Vision 2050, the Daikin Group has the ambition to become carbon-neutral across all its activities by 2050. They have also launched an initiative to collect refrigerants from installers in a recovery and recycling initiative. What does this all actually entail? We learn more about the 3 R's of Refrigerants - Recovering, Recycling and Reclaiming - from Linda Wong, the Deputy General Manager of Conformity & Compliance from Daikin Malaysia. Linda also shares more abo...
Sep 30, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 o...
Sep 25, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Gi...
Sep 23, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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. ...
Sep 18, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Sep 11, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Japane...
Sep 09, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 t...
Sep 04, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 t...
Sep 04, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 gree...
Sep 02, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Theres...
Aug 28, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 o...
Aug 26, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's that time of the month where we speak to Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn, the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga , for a round-up of top environmental news from August 2024. Today on our list, we look at Sabah's Tawai Forest Reserve, described as "a unique ecological treasure" but which is facing threats from the construction of the Pan Borneo highway. We then turn our attention to orangutan conservation ideas, and plans to pivot from orangutan diplomacy to allocat...
Aug 26, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden , the University of Malaya's 80-hectare botanical garden, is an important conservation site and educational resource in Malaysia. Since its inception in 1974, the garden has evolved from an abandoned rubber estate into a flourishing haven for around 1,700 plant species, offering a unique rainforest experience in an urban setting. Originally a teaching facility for biology students, it opened to the public in 1997 and now features core c...
Aug 21, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast A new analysis by global energy think tank Ember reveals that solar power generation in Peninsular Malaysia was 53% cheaper than fossil fuels in 2023, offering significant cost savings and energy security benefits. The report highlights the untapped potential of Malaysia's solar resources, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, and advocates for accelerated solar growth and grid integration to meet the country's renewable energy targets. We discuss the report with Shabrina Nadh...
Aug 14, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
