We continue our series on the ordinary Malaysian out to make Malaysia a better place. The focus today is on Laili Basir, an environmentalist who helped save the caves of Merapoh.

SEVEN years ago, the Pahang government announced plans to build a RM1 billion cement factory in Merapoh.

The area is one of the entry points to national park, Taman Negara. Merapoh is also known for the hundreds of caves in the limestone hills surrounding the town.

As a natural wonder in Southeast Asia, the area risked losing its beauty and charm had the cement factory been allowed to be built, said Laili Basir, 45, one of the activists behind “Save Gua Merapoh” in 2012.

Their fight was long and arduous but in the end, the Pahang government caved in.

For Laili, Merapoh was just the start of his environmental crusade.

“Yes, the cement factory was cancelled but the area still faces threats like logging and efforts to save the rainforest never ends,” Laili told The Malaysian Insight.

The Johor native, who lives in Jengka, Pahang, said following the success to save the Merapoh caves, they suggested to the state government that it focus on eco-tourism as an alternative source of income.

Eco tourism as alternative

“The government’s mindset is if they okay a project, it would be investment to the state. That was why we suggested eco-tourism as a way of developing the area without harming the environment. Eco-tourism will generate income in the long run and it’ll be a win-win situation for all parties.”

Laili also helped save Pulau Selakan in Sabah in 2012. The state government tried to relocate the residents after selling land to a developer, who wanted to build a resort.

“We used the same tactics. We sat down and discussed with the state government and urged them to consider eco-tourism as an alternative.

“They followed our advice and today, the kampung folk there are running chalets and home-stay programmes.”

The success at Merapoh and Pulau Selakan was the result of grassroots activism and the effort had nothing to do with the government or Tourism Ministry.

For Laili, the passion was what made him leave his job as a hotel manager and he became a part-time cleaner to support his causes. He also spearheaded a protest against a sturgeon-breeding project in Pahang, which Felda funded in 2013. Five men were later arrested for abuse of power and misappropriation of funds over the farming project.

Appreciating our natural heritage

Malaysia, Laili said, was known for its natural environment and it was a pity that the government did not recognise its value.

“We have this ‘gold’ (natural heritage) but not many appreciate it. For example, when I was trying to save Merapoh, I tried to call in local cave experts but no one turned up. I had to turn to experts from Croatia and Japan. They were willing to use their own money to come over here and help us because they are aware of the value of our natural heritage.”

The father of two said it was important to educate Malaysians on environmental issues.

“If they are educated, then conflicts like Merapoh and Pulau Selakan, could be avoided. We need to educate people to save our natural heritage and leave a legacy for future generations.”

Recently, Laili launched the “Hugs Project”, a community-based project. Volunteers meet at the end of each month and undertake charity work. This month, they will head to Pulau Banggi to distribute school bags and stationery.

News of pupils from Pulau Banggi trekking four hours a day to reach school and back became viral after their teachers shared their plight on social media.

“We also aim to document the natural wonders in Pulau Banggi – the biggest island in Sabah and also the poorest.” – April 24, 2017.