PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that Malaysia’s pursuit of development must not come at the expense of its hills, beaches, forests and natural heritage.
He said genuine progress could not be achieved through indiscriminate development that damaged the environment, stressing that Malaysia must continue to advance while maintaining a balance between development, environmental conservation and responsibility towards future generations.
Speaking at the Hari Landskap Negara 2026 programme on Friday, Anwar said national development should not be measured solely by physical progress, but also by the extent to which human values were preserved in shaping and managing the environment.
He said Malaysia’s approach to development must reflect a broader sense of responsibility towards both society and the natural environment.
Within the Islamic framework, Anwar said humanity carried an amanah to develop and care for the Earth, build the nation and create a prosperous society.
He added that landscaping and the environment should not be regarded merely as decorative elements, but as fundamental components in shaping sustainable, attractive and liveable cities and states.
"True progress cannot be achieved by indiscriminately sacrificing hills, beaches, forests and our natural heritage.
"Development that destroys the environment is not humane development. Instead, Malaysia must continue to progress based on a balance between development, environmental preservation and responsibility towards future generations."
Anwar said the principle should guide the country’s development agenda so that economic and physical advancement would be accompanied by greater care for the environment and the quality of life of Malaysians.
Anwar Orders Full Probe Into Felda’s Proposed RM330m Loss
Earlier, Anwar ordered the management of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) to explain its proposed sale of a hotel in the United Kingdom at a loss of £60 million (RM329.9 million).
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said he had refused to approve the sale after learning that the hotel, acquired by Felda’s previous management for £160 million (RM879.9 million), was being offered for only £100 million (RM549.9 million).
He said he had instructed Felda to conduct a full investigation into the decision, including identifying those responsible for proposing the sale at such a substantial loss.
"Felda is under my watch. Two months ago, the Felda management sought approval to sell the hotel.
"I said, 'wait a moment, what kind of business is this?' Selling lower than its purchase price and I refused to sign and instructed them to investigate who made the decision and submit a full report.
Anwar said the proposed loss was particularly unacceptable given that many Felda settlers continued to face inadequate facilities and low incomes.
"Felda settlers are struggling. When I visited them, they ask for basic necessities like air conditioning, school repairs and better income.
"Yet Felda is willing to lose hundreds of millions of ringgit with this sale," he said in his speech at the "Semarak Kenegaraan Programme" with the Armed Forces at Terendak Camp here on Friday (Aug 7).
He said the investigation was necessary to safeguard Felda’s integrity and ensure the institution remained financially sound for future generations.
"If we fail to act, the institutions that we are proud of and committed to protect will deteriorate," he said. - August 8, 2026
