Earth Matters

Birds are often described as indicators of the health of our environment. When bird populations change, they're often telling us something about the ecosystems we all depend on. That's one reason projects like MY Garden Birdwatch matter. Returning this July after a four-year break, the nationwide survey invites Malaysians to spend just 30 minutes observing birds in their local area and contribute to a growing body of scientific knowledge. Joining us to share more is Liu Lai-Wah, an avid birdwatcher and Secretary of the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch Bird Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever so often, we hear about another patch of forest being cleared, excised or reclassified. But if you've ever tried to find out exactly what happened, when it happened, or whether it was even legal, you'll know just how difficult that information can be to access. That's exactly the problem journalist Law Yao Hua set out to solve. Drawing on years of reporting, hundreds of official gazettes and forest reserve maps, he has created Fate of Our Forests, a platform that brings together more than two decades of official changes to forest reserves across Peninsular Malaysia. It's an ambitious project that aims to make forest data more accessible, transparent and useful for everyone. Yao Hua joins us to tell us how the platform came together, what it can reveal, and why understanding the fate of our forests should matter to all Malaysians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate action doesn't only happen at the annual UN Climate Conference, or COP. Throughout the year, negotiators, policymakers and civil society organisations meet to tackle the complex work of turning global climate commitments into practical action. Last month saw a packed calendar of major international gatherings, including the Global Solutions Summit in Berlin, the UNFCCC's mid-year negotiations in Bonn, and London Climate Action Week. Together, these meetings helped shape the conversations that will eventually feed into the next COP, particularly around climate finance, adaptation and the growing focus on a just transition. To help us understand what emerged from these discussions, and why they matter for Malaysia and the wider Southeast Asian region, we’re joined by Nithi Nesadurai, Director and Regional Coordinator of the Climate Action Network Southeast Asia, or CANSEA, who attended all three events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The transfer of three Malaysian elephants to Japan has sparked widespread debate over the past few months. While the move was described as a conservation partnership between two zoos, campaigners have questioned whether the transfer complied with Malaysian law, raised concerns about the elephants' welfare, and called for greater transparency over how the decision was made. In this conversation, we unpack the key issues surrounding the case, from the legal questions and ongoing investigations, to what experts say about the elephants' condition and why many believe this matters beyond just these three animals. Joining us to do that are Rajesh Nagarajan, animal rights lawyer and President of Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (PEKA Malaysia); Vimala Raghavan, Secretary-General of PEKA Malaysia; Datin Shereen Yunos, animal rights activist and member of Kembalikan DAK and representing the Selamatkan DAK coalition; and Dr William Keith Lindsay, a wildlife ecologist and conservation biologist. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The more successful a tourist island becomes, the more waste it often has to manage. That's one of the central ideas behind a new report titled Pathways Towards Circularity: The Zero Waste Islands Framework, from GAIA Asia Pacific, which argues that many island destinations are trapped in an extractive cycle. Products are imported, consumed, and discarded, while local communities are left to deal with the environmental and financial costs. The report proposes a different path, one built around zero waste principles, local resource management, and community-led solutions, with many solutions for Malaysia too. We discuss this with Ambily Adithyan, Regional Zero Waste Cities Officer with GAIA Asia Pacific, who also shares successful case studies from around the world, where communities significantly reduced waste and improved resource management, and without the use of expensive “fixes” like waste-to-energy incineration projects.Image Credit: Zero Waste Asia FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For July 2026's episode of Nature Reads, we speak to Rahayu Zulkifli, Chief Executive Officer of Marine Conservation and Research Organisation Malaysia (PULIHARA), together with co-host Dylan Jefri Ong, co-founder of Sunda Shelves. We explore the books that sparked Rahayu's love of nature and conservation, before diving into Tigers of Terengganu by A. Locke, a vivid account of a Malaysia where tigers still roamed the forests and people lived much closer to the wild. Along the way, we reflect on what the book reveals about our changing relationship with wildlife and why it continues to resonate today.Nature Reads on Earth Matters is a monthly show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us, in collaboration with independent bookstore Sunda Shelves.Image Credit: Phoenix Books NZSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

El Niño is often thought of as a weather phenomenon, bringing hotter and drier conditions to parts of the world. But according to the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia, the bigger story may not be the weather itself, but rather how prepared Malaysia is to deal with the pressures that come with it, from water shortages and pollution risks to energy security and the management of critical infrastructure. Joining us to unpack these issues is Piarapakaran Subramaniam, President of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER), and CEO of the Centre for Water and Energy Sustainability (CWES).Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, residents, activists and the Bukit Kiara longhouse community fought plans to develop part of Taman Rimba Kiara, a dispute that eventually made its way to the country's highest court. In 2023, the Federal Court ruled that the proposed development was unlawful, securing a landmark victory for those seeking to preserve the park. But throughout that long struggle, campaigners repeatedly stressed that saving Taman Rimba Kiara was only part of the story. The other part involved a promise made more than four decades ago to families relocated from the Bukit Kiara estate in 1982, many of whom have spent the past 44 years living in temporary longhouses while waiting for permanent homes. Now, under a new proposal by the government, 98 longhouse families will receive new homes, while part of the land will be gazetted as public open space. We find out about the latest developments from Leon Koay and Khairudin Rahim from the Save Taman Rimba Kiara Working Group, and Sivakumar Muniandy, Secretary of the Bukit Kiara Longhouse Residents Association.Listen to our previous coverage:TTDI vs DBKL: Green Lung or Built Blocks? TTDI vs DBKL: Taman Rimba Kiara - Not Out Of The Woods Yet TTDI vs DBKL: A Problematic Plan TTDI vs DBKL: Appeals, Land Conversions, Unmeaningful Public Consultation It Takes a Village - The Story of Saving Taman Rimba Kiara See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 More than 1,500 Orang Asli and supporters recently gathered in Putrajaya to submit a memorandum calling for greater recognition and protection of Indigenous customary lands. The demonstration comes amid growing concerns over land disputes affecting Orang Asli communities across the country, including the recent demolition of homes belonging to a Jakun community in Pekan, Pahang. We take a closer look at why land rights remain such a pressing issue, what's at stake for Orang Asli communities, and what advocates are calling on the government to do next, with Eliana a/p Tan Beng Hui, Programme Coordinator from Apa Kata Wanita Orang Asli and Albert Bansa, an Environmental Campaigner with Greenpeace Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forest restoration is often described as a long game. Trees that are planted today may take decades to mature, and ecosystems can take even longer to recover. Yet restoring degraded ecosystems requires more than patience, it often depends on the commitment of individuals willing to invest their own time, energy and resources for results they may never fully see. In Sungai Buaya, Selangor, photographer, conservationist and Green Tree co-founder David Lok has spent years personally funding a forest restoration initiative that brings together Orang Asli communities, conservationists and forestry authorities. He joins us to discuss the challenges and rewards of restoring a degraded landscape, what meaningful progress looks like over decades rather than years, and how a new exhibition of his works, Forest Speaks, is helping to support the effort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we mark World Oceans Day today Coral Triangle Day in June, it's worth remembering that Malaysia sits within one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth. Our waters are home to coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sea turtles, sharks, and countless other species that support fisheries, tourism, livelihoods, and coastal communities. But a new report suggests that many of these ecologically important areas overlap with active and proposed offshore oil and gas development. Produced by RimbaWatch with technical contributions from SkyTruth and support from the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development, the report titled Reefs at Risk: Mapping Fossil Fuel Threats to Sensitive Marine Environments in Malaysia, presents the first comprehensive mapping of how Malaysia's offshore fossil fuel industry intersects with what it calls Sensitive Marine Environments. To discuss the findings and what they could mean for marine conservation, governance, and the energy transition, we're joined by Adam Farhan, Co-Founder and Director of RimbaWatch, and Angelina Dacanay, Southeast Asia Energy Transition Lead at the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED).Image Credit: Inside Climate NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does meaningful climate engagement actually look like for young people today? Beyond headlines and social media, how do we create spaces for real conversations, collaboration, and action? Those are some of the questions at the heart of the Rainforest Youth Summit, which returns this year in Sarawak with a programme focused on sustainability, culture, innovation, and youth leadership. We learn more about the summit’s journey so far, what attendees can look forward to this year, and why these conversations matter now more than ever from Dr. Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor, the CEO of the Sarawak Tourism Board, and Marina Abdullah, the Summit Director of the Rainforest Youth Summit.Listen to the interview with Fijian climate activist Dylan Kava, an attendee of this year’s summit, here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Nature Reads, we speak to guest Ir. Dr. Kribanandan G Naidu, Immediate Past President of Friends of Bukit Kiara (FOBK), together with co-host Dylan Jefri Ong, co-founder of Sunda Shelves. We discuss the books, experiences, and ideas that inspired Dr Kriban’s connection to nature and conservation, the history and importance of urban green spaces like Bukit Kiara, and the newly updated edition of the thoughtfully crafted guidebook, Bukit Kiara: A Sanctuary in the City. Nature Reads on Earth Matters is a monthly show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us, done in collaboration with independent bookstore Sunda Shelves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The school holidays are around the corner, along with a string of long weekends and public holidays, which means many Malaysians are probably already planning road trips and quick getaways. And with all the recent conversation around fuel subsidy rationalisation and rising travel costs, suddenly that nearby nature escape is sounding a lot more attractive. Luckily, Malaysia is full of ecotourism gems worth discovering, especially during Visit Malaysia Year 2026, so today, we’re taking a road trip around Peninsular Malaysia, exploring nature-based destinations to the north, south, east, and west of Kuala Lumpur, with some help from Andrew Sebastian, CEO of the Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY).Image Credit: Shutterstock, Visit Johor 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the Pacific, communities are already living with the realities of the climate crisis. From rising sea levels to stronger storms and threats to food security, many island nations are facing impacts despite contributing only a tiny fraction of global carbon emissions. At the same time, activists and young leaders from the region are continuing to push for climate justice and greater global accountability. We discuss Pacific climate realities with Dylan Kava, a Fijian environmental advocate, political activist, and the Strategic Communications Lead at the Pacific Islands Climate Action Network, who will also be in Malaysia soon for the Rainforest Youth Summit. He shares more about his journey into activism, the climate-related challenges already facing Pacific nations, and why youth voices are becoming increasingly important in shaping climate action.Image Credit: We Are Young Pacific Leaders FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Urban forests often quietly disappear before people realise what has been lost. But in the case of Bukit Dinding, a growing community of residents and environmental advocates have been working hard to ensure this important green space remains protected. From conservation work and biodiversity documentation to raising awareness about development concerns, Friends of Bukit Dinding has become a strong voice for urban environmental stewardship in Kuala Lumpur. To tell us more, we’re joined by Adrihazim Rashid, President of Friends of Bukit Dinding, and Inci Syafruddin, Vice President of the organisation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, global climate talks have largely focused on reducing emissions. But at a landmark conference in Santa Marta, Colombia, countries, scientists, Indigenous leaders and civil society groups gathered to tackle a much more direct question: how do we actually move the world away from fossil fuels themselves? The First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, has been described by some observers as a possible turning point in global climate diplomacy, with participating nations calling for clearer roadmaps, fairer financing, and a faster transition away from coal, oil and gas. So what really happened at Santa Marta, what were the big conversations and tensions in the room, and could this mark the beginning of a new phase in global climate action? To help us unpack it all, we’re joined by Nithi Nesadurai, the Director & Regional Coordinator at Climate Action Network Southeast Asia (CANSEA), who attended the conference in person.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many of the challenges facing Orang Asli communities are already well known, but what’s really driving them? In Part Two of our two-part special, we turn to what many argue is the root issue: land. In Part One, we explored the lived experiences, from education and healthcare to questions around identity and development. Now, we turn to land, and why it remains one of the most critical and contested issues. This conversation is based on the policy brief “Orang Asli Advancement and the Right to Land, Territories and Resources,” by the Center for Orang Asli Concerns. Helping us to unpack all the issues is Dr Colin Nicholas, the Founder and Coordinator of the Center for Orang Asli Concerns. Listen to Part 1 here.Image Credit: Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the realities facing Orang Asli communities in Malaysia today? It’s a question that touches on everything from education and healthcare to identity, representation, and the way development is carried out on the ground. This is Part One of a two-part special based on the policy brief “Orang Asli Advancement and the Right to Land, Territories and Resources,” published by the Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC). We speak to Dr Colin Nicholas, Founder and Coordinator of the Center for Orang Asli Concerns. about those lived realities, who the Orang Asli are, how policy has shaped their experiences, and why some approaches to development may be falling short.Listen to Part 2 here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rare earth processing facility in Gebeng is back in the headlines, following the government’s decision to grant it a 10-year licence renewal. While new conditions have been introduced, civil society groups say longstanding concerns over radioactive waste, transparency, and accountability remain unresolved. At the same time, a separate agreement linking Malaysia’s rare earth supply to a foreign defence department is raising fresh ethical and legal questions. To unpack all of this, we speak to Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this month's episode of Nature Reads, we speak to Datuk Dr John Payne, the Chief Executive Officer of Bringing Back Our Rare Animals or BORA, who has spent decades working on wildlife conservation across Malaysia, particularly in Sabah. But beyond the field, he is also a prolific author, having written everything from wildlife guides and conservation manuals to deeply reflective works on species loss, restoration, and what we’ve learned along the way. Together with co-host Surin Suksuwan, the co-founder of Sunda Shelves, we explore the books that shaped John's early interest in nature, how his writing has evolved over the years, and what he hopes readers, especially those outside the conservation world, will take away from his work. Nature Reads on Earth Matters is a monthly show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us, done in collaboration with Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a year since the Putra Heights pipeline explosion, a disaster that left hundreds of homes damaged and more than a hundred people injured. While an official investigation by the official Parliamentary Special Select Committee concluded there was no negligence, a new report titled “Putra Heights: One Year On, Unanswered Questions Remain” is raising questions about what may have been overlooked, particularly when it comes to planning, safety standards, and oversight. We explore those findings with the report's co-authors, Hamizah Shamsudeen, a Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace Malaysia, and Adam Farhan, the Co-Founder and Director at RimbaWatch.Image Credit: Greenpeace MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, and for decades, it has held itself to a global commitment to maintain at least 50 percent forest cover. But as pressure on land continues to grow, and new independent data points to large areas of forest already earmarked for conversion, questions are being raised about whether that promise is still being upheld in practice. Now, a group of six young Malaysians has taken the issue to court, in what is believed to be the country’s first climate-focused lawsuit of its kind, challenging not just environmental policy, but the responsibilities of government to its people. Joining us to unpack what the “Mana Hutan Kami” lawsuit and case is about, and what it could mean going forward, are lawyer Lim Wei Jiet, the legal counsel for the applicants, and Abe Lim, a climate governance advocate and one of the applicants in the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s highest court has dismissed a legal challenge to protect the Shah Alam Community Forest, marking the end of a three-and-a-half-year fight by conservation groups. The decision has raised serious concerns about the future of forest protection in the country, and what it could mean for public participation in environmental decisions. Joining us to help unpack what this ruling means, and what comes next, are Alicia Teoh, Founder and Secretary of the Shah Alam Community Forest Society, and Dr Teckwyn Lim, Advisor of the society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Buloh, a group of Temuan women are running a community nursery, growing native plants using knowledge rooted in the forest around them. Their work supports both livelihoods and conservation, while drawing on generations of lived experience and connection to the land. This has been brought together in “A Guide to Our Nursery and Plants”, a booklet shaped by the women’s knowledge and experiences, and produced under the Rantaian Urban Green Spaces or RUGS project by the Malaysian Nature Society, and done in collaboration with Gerimis Art Project. We chat with Wen Di Sia (Co-founder, Gerimis Art Project) and Sharon Yap (Art Director, Gerimis Art Project) who worked on the booklet, about the value of indigenous plants and knowledge, the women behind the nursery working to preserve this legacy, and what we can all learn from their work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks ten years since the Sarawak government cancelled the proposed Baram Dam, a project that would have displaced thousands of people and flooded vast areas of Indigenous land. It was a hard-fought victory, led by communities who stood their ground for years to protect their rivers and their homes. But today, Sarawak is once again pushing forward with new dam proposals, raising familiar concerns about environmental impact, energy needs, and whether communities are being properly included in the process. Are we seeing history repeat itself? We discuss this and more with Peter Kallang, Chairman and Founder of SAVE Rivers, and Celine Lim, Managing Director of SAVE Rivers.Image: Sarawak, Bakun Jan 5, 2018, Murum damImage Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indigenous knowledge, cultural identity, and environmental stewardship all come together in a project called Jungle School Gombak, which offers something quite different from a typical classroom. Here, the forest becomes the learning space, and Orang Asli community members take on the role of teachers, sharing skills, stories, and perspectives that are rarely experienced firsthand. It’s an initiative that not only brings people closer to nature, but also challenges how we think about knowledge, expertise, and whose voices matter. We're joined by its co-founders, Major Retired Kalam Pie, an Orang Asli activist and former Royal Malaysian Air Force officer, and Assistant Professor Dr Norzalifa Zainal Abidin, from the faculty of Architecture and Environmental Design, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world edges deeper into geopolitical uncertainty, climate advocates are warning that the costs could extend far beyond the battlefield, from diverted public funds to delayed climate action. With two major global climate convenings just around the corner, the Santa Marta Conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, and COP31 later this year, the urgency to align regional priorities has never been greater. At a recent regional gathering convened by Climate Action Network Southeast Asia and its partners, stakeholders came together to chart a path forward that prioritises energy sovereignty and a just transition away from fossil fuels. We speak to Nithi Nesadurai, Director & Regional Coordinator at Climate Action Network Southeast Asia (CANSEA), about the outcomes of that meeting, and what is at stake in the lead-up to these critical global discussions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nature Reads on Earth Matters is the show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads. Together with co-host Jennifer Neoh Tan, bookshop manager of Sunda Shelves, we speak to Mimi Salleh, an author, illustrator and publisher of Casa Kids Book, a Malaysian children’s imprint known for picture books that explore environmental themes, social awareness, and the Sustainable Development Goals, all through stories created for young readers. We discuss the books that shaped Mimi’s own relationship with nature, how Casa Kids Book approaches storytelling about sustainability, and why stories for children can sometimes be one of the most powerful ways to change how we see the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, Dr. Jane Goodall inspired generations to believe that every individual has the power to make a difference. Through Roots & Shoots, that belief has grown into a global movement led by young people taking action in their own communities. We speak to TP Lim, President of Roots & Shoots Malaysia, and Keilly Lim, Project Manager of the Roots & Shoots Malaysia Award (RASMA), to discuss how that legacy continues here in Malaysia, and how youth can join the 2026 cycle of RASMA. RASMA was created to instill hope and encourage Malaysian youths to go beyond awareness and bring positive change to their environment and communities. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forests are some of the most productive and resilient ecosystems on Earth. They support incredible biodiversity, build healthy soils, and sustain life in ways that scientists are still learning from. So what if we applied those same principles to the way we grow food? That idea lies behind the concept of food forests, and it is one of the themes that will be explored at the Food Forest Forum 2026, a gathering that will bring together practitioners, farmers, researchers, and community groups interested in regenerative agriculture. Joining us to discuss food forests, regenerative farming, and community resilience are Abdul Razak Abdul Aziz, co-founder of SEEDS Malaysia, Chee Hoy Yee, the founder of Project M.A.R.S and Grow Community Market, and Gabriel Hii, the co-chair of the Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance.Photo Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has a limited amount of carbon left that it can emit if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Scientists call this the global carbon budget. But once that number is set, another question follows: how should that budget be divided between countries? A new report titled "Estimating a Fair Share Carbon Budget for Malaysia" examines what our country's fair share might actually look like, and what it means for our climate policies going forward. We find out more from the report’s co-authors, Adam Farhan and Nithiyah Tamilwanan.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual migration of raptors across the Straits of Malacca is one of the region’s most remarkable wildlife events. Each year, thousands of birds of prey pass through Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve on their journey north, and the movement is closely observed by birdwatchers and conservationists. We discuss the migration of raptors, why this journey matters, and how the public can experience it through Raptor Watch 2026 with Wong Shea Hong, the Bird Group Coordinator at the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penang has long been celebrated for its heritage and natural beauty. But in recent years, concerns about overdevelopment, rising heat, flooding risks and large-scale reclamation have sparked difficult conversations about the island’s future. The Silicon Island project, formerly part of the Penang South Islands plan, is now moving ahead. Supporters call it essential for economic growth. Critics warn of irreversible ecological damage and serious consequences for thousands of fisherfolk. We take a closer look at what’s at stake with Andrew Han, a filmmaker and Programme Coordinator at Jaringan Ekologi dan Iklim (JEDI) Malaysia, who has spent years working alongside coastal communities affected by these changes.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Between 2002 and 2023, Malaysia lost millions of hectares of humid primary forest. In places like Gua Musang in Kelantan, the impact of forest loss is being felt directly by Orang Asli communities. Villages in Pos Pasik, Pos Simpor, and Pos Bihai are reporting polluted rivers, damaged crops, conflicts with wildlife, and increasing pressure on customary lands. Some residents are now facing possible legal consequences for defending those lands through peaceful blockades. We speak to Heng Kiah Chun, Campaign Manager at Greenpeace Malaysia, to examine what is happening on the ground and the policy changes that are being called for through the #HutanKitaHakKita campaign.Image credit: Greenpeace MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just one month, Orang Asli communities across Peninsular Malaysia have faced eviction, arrests, logging activity, and developments moving ahead without their consent. Civil society groups say these are not isolated incidents, but signs of deeper systemic marginalisation tied to land, power and profit, and are calling for the Prime Minister to honour his reform commitments and uphold Orang Asli customary land rights. We speak to Koong Hui Yein, Programme Manager at RimbaWatch, about what is happening on the ground, what is at stake for Orang Asli communities, and why this moment is a critical test of the government’s reform promises. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proposed changes to Malaysia’s seed laws have sparked a growing debate about farmers’ rights, food security, and corporate control. At the center of the discussion is UPOV 1991, an international framework that strengthens plant breeders’ rights but has raised concerns across the region. To help us unpack what this could mean for Malaysia and Southeast Asia, we’re joined by Sangeeta Shashikant, Legal Advisor and Programme Coordinator from the Third World Network, and Nori Ignacio, the Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Regional Initiatives for Community Empowerment or SEARICE. Image Credit: SEARICESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nature Reads on Earth Matters is a show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads. This month, together with co-host Surin Suksuwan, the co-founder of Sunda Shelves, we turn our attention to a homegrown series that blends storytelling, folklore, and the natural world. We’re joined by writer and journalist Salhan K Ahmad, author of the Alak books, including Alak in the Hinterland and Alak and the Curse of Jerangau. We discuss the landscapes and ideas that shaped these stories, the books that first sparked his own love of nature, and how fiction can help us see the environment in new ways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across Malaysia, questions about Orang Asli land rights have been back in the headlines, from the detention of villagers in Pahang over a land dispute, to communities facing displacement, environmental damage, and development carried out without meaningful consultation. One of the latest flashpoints is Pulau Carey in Selangor, where the Mah Meri community in Kampung Sungai Kurau says a proposed port expansion could threaten their fishing grounds, cultural heritage, and way of life. We speak with Lanuza Layon, Chairperson of the Kampung Sungai Kurau Village Development and Security Committee, and Sarah Amer, a Community Organiser from Gerimis Art Project, about what is happening on the ground, and what it reveals about the broader struggle for Orang Asli land rights in Malaysia.Read more about the issue here and here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Illegal e-waste is not a new issue in Malaysia, but recent events have brought it back into the headlines in a big way, from enforcement raids to high-profile investigations and new policy measures. In our previous episode, we spoke about the situation here in Malaysia and the recent developments that have brought the e-waste issue into sharp focus. In this second part of our two-part series on Illegal E-Waste in Malaysia, we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, including the global systems that drive the e-waste trade and the longer-term solutions that might help break the cycle. Helping us to unpack these and more are Mageswari Sangaralingam, the Honorary Secretary of both Sahabat Alam Malaysia and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP), and Wong Pui Yi, a researcher with the Basel Action Network.Listen to Part 1 HERE.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s illegal e-waste trade has been making headlines in recent weeks, from major enforcement raids and large seizures at ports to corruption investigations involving senior officials. Authorities say the scale of the problem runs into billions of ringgit, raising serious concerns about pollution, public health, and enforcement gaps. In this first of a two part series on Illegal E-Waste in Malaysia, we take a closer look at what’s been happening with Wong Pui Yi, researcher with the Basel Action Network, and Mageswari Sangaralingam, the Honorary Secretary of both Sahabat Alam Malaysia and the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) to explore these developments, and what they have revealed about the scale of the problem, and also the risks faced by communities and the environment. Listen to Part 2 HERE.Image Credit: Astralis TechnologySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not too far from the heart of Kuala Lumpur, there’s a place where mangroves meet mudflats, migratory birds stop to rest, and silvered leaf monkeys peer down from the trees. The Kuala Selangor Nature Park may be easy to reach, but its importance goes far beyond a weekend escape. In conjunction with World Wetlands Day, we’re taking a closer look at this unique wetland ecosystem, including how it protects coastlines, supports wildlife, and connects people to nature. Joining us to do that are Ng Sean Fong, the Data & Policy Officer at the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), and Vivian Soon, a Wildlife and Conservation Officer, also with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s coral reefs are in trouble, and the numbers are getting harder to ignore. Reef Check Malaysia’s latest survey shows that live coral cover has fallen again, marking the third straight year of decline. But what does that actually mean for our oceans, our livelihoods, and our future? We speak to Julian Hyde, the CEO of Reef Check Malaysia, to unpack the findings of their 2025 Annual Survey, and to explore why a major new global agreement, the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, also known as the BBNJ or High Seas Treaty, matters for Malaysia, and the wider ocean.Image Credit: Reef Check MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nature Reads on Earth Matters is the show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads. For this month's episode, we speak to Su Mei Toh, a freelance researcher and advisor at Wild Asia. Together with co-host Surin Suksuwan, the co-founder of Sunda Shelves, Su Mei joins us to share more about a selection of books that range from environmental classics and Indigenous knowledge, to science writing and field guides rooted in Malaysia.Books discussed on this episode include:1. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson2. Soil and Soul by Alistair McIntosh3. The Orang Asli and the Contest for Resources by Colin Nicholas4. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer5. Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky6. Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez7. An Immense World by Ed Yong8. Birds of Malaysia - Lim Kim Seng, Yong Ding Li & Lim Kim Chuah9. Beyond Mimo's Tree by Abyan Junus-Nishizawa & Farah Landemaine10. A Naturalist’s Guide to the Trees of Southeast Asia - Saw Leng GuanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waste management is something most of us only think about when the bins aren’t collected or when landfills overflow. But behind the scenes, big decisions are being made about how Malaysia deals with its waste, and one solution that keeps coming up is Waste-to-Energy, or WtE. It’s often described as a win-win. Burn the waste, generate electricity, reduce landfills. But critics say the reality is far more complicated, and that these projects come with serious environmental, financial, and health implications. Joining us is Yuenmei Wong, an independent researcher and consultant to UN agencies, who has spent years studying Waste-to-Energy projects in Malaysia and globally, and who has been actively involved in analysing and responding to current proposals here. We discuss the realities, misconceptions, and policy implications of WtE, and also ask the big question: if not this, then what?Editor's note: The Bukit Nanas hazardous waste plant was modelled after the Danish hazardous waste treatment facility, Kommunekemi, located in Nyborg. It is therefore Danish, not Dutch, as mentioned in the interview. Our apologies for the error. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate change is often discussed in terms of targets, pledges, and long-term plans. But what happens when companies make climate claims that may not be true, and when no government agency steps in to investigate? RimbaWatch has filed what is believed to be the country’s first climate litigation case focused on greenwashing, and we discuss how this landmark legal case could shape how climate claims are regulated in Malaysia. Joining us to explain what this case is about and why it matters is Kuberan Hansrajh Kumaresan, Head of Legal Advocacy at RimbaWatch.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This story begins almost ten years ago, with durian trees planted patiently and a village waiting for the right time. After hosting only small groups of friends for years, the Semai hosts at Indigenous Tropical Adventure & Homestay or ITAH are now ready to open their doors more widely, with support from Gerimis Art. The experience centres on fruit season, forest life, and cultural exchange, guided by the community themselves. To share more on how this collaboration came about, the Semai hosts, and what visitors can expect, we’re joined by Wendi Sia, the Co-Founder of Gerimis Art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across the Klang Valley, many small green spaces are overlooked, even as they continue to support wildlife and communities. At the same time, there are people quietly working to protect, reconnect, and care for these places. The exhibition Fragmented-Connected asks what we have lost through urbanisation, and what it means to reconnect, through conservation, community, and storytelling. We find out more from Siti Syuhada Sapno, the Programme Coordinator at the Forest Learning Centre at Perdana Botanical Garden, and the curator and writer of the exhibition, and also Vivian Soon, a Wildlife and Conservation Officer at the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), and Project Coordinator for Rantaian Urban Green Spaces (RUGS), an initiative linking urban green spaces across the Klang Valley. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate policies are often designed far from the people most affected by climate change, and while global commitments are important, they don’t always reflect realities on the ground. In Thailand, communities are dealing with flooding, extreme heat, and changing livelihoods, and women are often at the center of responding, yet missing from decision-making. So what happens when policy doesn’t meet lived experience? Joining us to unpack this is Wanun Permpibul, a climate activist and the Director of Climate Watch Thailand, who works at the intersection of climate justice, policy, and grassroots action.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fireflies are small, easy to overlook, and deeply sensitive to change. When they disappear, it's often an early warning that something in the ecosystem is no longer in balance. In Bukit Kiara, one of Kuala Lumpur’s last remaining urban forests, fireflies have become a powerful signal of what is happening, as development pressures grow closer to sensitive habitats. So what are the fireflies of Bukit Kiara telling us, as these new pressures mount? We discuss the history of Bukit Kiara, the incredible biodiversity found there, the pressures the area is facing, and how a new initiative called The Glow Campaign is turning concern into collective action. Helping us do that are Tan Boon Hua, the Vice President of environmental rights NGO the Friends of Bukit Kiara, and Amelia Tan, the Founder and CEO of the social enterprise Conscious.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.