LETTER | Call for logging moratorium to tackle climate change

LETTER | The Muslim Youth Movement of Malaysia (Abim) refers to the recent flood incidents in Malaysia.

Abim firmly views that such incidents are proof that our country has entered a phase of climate change that is alarming and requires immediate action by all parties. Moreover, we are about to enter the monsoon season during which the east coast is prone to major floods.

Abim emphasises that major flood disasters that often occur repeatedly and unexpectedly are due to climate change situations. Climate change causes uncertain weather patterns, such as is happening now, where monsoon seasons no longer necessarily happen within their normal times.

This situation results in uncertainty regarding rainfall at any given time. Facilities set up to curb the overflow of water thus cannot function properly. This is yet another indication that the authorities and Malaysians, in general, should pay greater attention to the issue of climate change.

Forests are the cheapest and most effective method of tackling issues of weather and climate change. Forests are very effective at trapping carbon dioxide, a gas that causes climate change. 

In this regard, it should be emphasised that widespread logging activities and uncontrolled deforestation are major causes of climate change.

Therefore, forests areas must be protected and even expanded if the current government is really serious about addressing the issue of climate change.

As such, Abim reiterates its call for the government to issue a moratorium order to stop any logging activities for the time being. This is a good step towards preventing disasters that burden Malaysians and contributing positively towards battling the global climate emergency.

Abim is of the view that with sufficient political will, the federal government can influence states to issue this moratorium order. This is not unusual, as the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has issued similar orders on bauxite mining and export activities in the state of Pahang.

To mobilise the support of all parties, Abim, together with Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka) launched an online petition to call for this special moratorium to be implemented to stop deforestation activities for now at least.

MUHAMMAD FAISAL ABDUL AZIZ is president of the Muslim Youth Movement Malaysia (Abim).

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.