PUTRAJAYA should look into amending the Federal Constitution (FC) to include a new article for the rehabilitation, preservation and protection of the country’s natural environment, an environment group said.

Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka) said this was pertinent for the preservation of the forests, sea, mountains, animals and other environmental related issues in the country for the long term.

Peka president Damien Thanam Divean said their proposal to the government is a new article within the FC that will include the protection of nature.

“We have already suggested this matter to the government.

“The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry and the Law and Institutional Reform Ministry should look into this proposal,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

He said the group had submitted the proposal to Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on August 14.

“The minister said that was a good proposal and the ministry would work on it.

“We are ready to have a meeting or assist the government in any way.”

Among the issues the group had highlighted in their proposal was for the government to sign the deforestation 2030 treaty not only for logging but anything that affects the forests.

Damien said the forests must remain untouched and it is crucial that Malaysia engages in the deforestation treaty that was signed by over 100 countries.

“There should also be laws making the agreement legally binding. Not just sign the treaty and not have any laws to enforce it (treaty).

“Then this (treaty) will be supported by our proposal for the article on the environment in the FC.

“We urge the government to look into this matter.”

In 2021, 100 world leaders at the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow, committed to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

Another proposal, he said, was for an immediate 100% blanket protection for all species of pollinators and their habitats.

“For example if you protect bats and not their habitat then they will die.

“Seventy percent of the food we get is from pollinators such as butterflies, bees, birds and other seed spreading creatures.

“All these species need to be protected. It’s pointless to protect the wildlife and not their environment.”

As for the rivers, Damien said they wanted the government to look into river rehabilitation which is crucial for the country.

There are five categories of water quality where Class One – requires no treatment, Class Two – slight risk, Class 3 – extensive treatment needed, Class Four – polluted and Class Five- serious risk.

“Class One being the most pristine and Class Five being a dead river.

“We propose that the government look into rehabilitating all rivers to Class One to Three.

“For example if a river turns from Class Three to Class Four then the government needs to ban the area from usage where the river is located and start rehabilitation works.”

He said the authorities need to work with state governments and federal agencies to identify why the river became Class Four and resolve the issue.

“The Drainage and Irrigation department in charge of rivers can look into this, together with the Environment Department and state agencies.”

Damien added that there was also a need to formulate a special fund for victims affected by wild animal and human conflict.  

“This fund is for compensation for damage or loss of animals such as chickens, goats and cows for farmers.  

“This will also reduce the risk of wild animals being killed or injured by the affected victims.”

He said if an area is a habitat and food source for tigers or elephants then it needs to be protected.

“The wildlife department needs to be given the power to stop state governments or other entities who want to take over or develop the area where the animals are.”

On August 26, Nik Nazmi said the proposal for the fund for farmers will be brought up to the Finance Ministry for inclusion in Budget 2024.

He said guidelines for the policy were ready and the ministry would discuss the matter with the Finance Ministry. – September 28, 2023.