[UPDATED] Agong decrees govt to protect environment, 2 months after devastating floods

KUALA LUMPUR – The Yang di-Pertuan Agong has finally broken his silence over the issue of climate change, as His Majesty pressures the government to undertake environmental protection measures.

Speaking in Parliament today, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has decreed the government to ensure that at least 50% of the country’s land area continue to remain forested.

He said this must be done through the implementation of sustainable forest management practises.

“In addition, areas that have the potential to be recognised as geoparks should be maintained and protected,” he said when officiating the fifth and final session of the current Parliament term today.

The king’s assertion comes amid claims of excessive logging activities happening in several areas in the country, with several quarters blaming this to be part of the reason behind the recent floods that devastated a major part of Malaysia in December.

It is unclear what amount of land area is currently covered in forest, although reports have claimed that it currently stands at just over 58% as of 2020.

The Agong acknowledged that environmental degradation and climate change phenomenon pose threats to the world and human well-being and stressed on the importance of constantly improving and enhancing disaster management mechanisms to effectively face future uncertainties.

He said these mechanisms should involve the roles and responsibilities of all quarters, including the government, private sector, civil society organisations and volunteers.

Environmental protection and sustainability must be a priority, asserted His Majesty.

“The development of a centralised disaster warning system and improvements to the drainage systems, especially in densely populated and high-risk areas, must be further intensified.

“Short and long-term measures, including flood mitigation infrastructure readiness as agreed by the central disaster management committee meeting, should be undertaken immediately.

“In addition, the cleaning of public areas and maintenance of flood mitigation facilities should be undertaken regularly,” he said. – The Vibes, February 28, 2022