YOUNG people are demanding better policies for logging, public transport and fiscal management from the representatives in the state elections, a survey showed.

The Tuntutan Iklim Belia poll, held by MyHutan and Undi18, revealed that the youth also want a new agriculture policy and commitment to utilise renewable energy.

More than 1,100 respondents, aged 18-35, were polled.

The five key demands of the respondents were an immediate moratorium on logging as well as a review of logging laws to curb illegal and unsustainable logging; a sustainable public transport policy with pedestrian-oriented urban planning; an environmental fiscal policy ecological fiscal transfers; an overhaul of of agricultural laws and a policy focused on small modern farmers for food security; and a commitment to ensure that 50% of the energy in government buildings is generated by renewable energy.

The survey showed that climate change was an important issue for 83% of youth. 

The same 83% also felt anxious about the effects of climate change, especially those stemming from extreme weather events.

MyHutan said only 39% of those surveyed believed that the government could be trusted to solve the climate crisis in Malaysia.

“MyHutan believes that environmental and climate change issues must become an important issue during the upcoming state elections for the wellbeing of Malaysians. 

“We strongly call upon all state election candidates to uphold the issues of climate change and the environment so that it becomes a key issue for all quarters in Malaysia,” MyHutan said in a statement.

Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu will go to the polls on August 12. – July 13, 2023.