Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad

1 day ago

At the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, as the Prime Minister of Malaysia back then, I made a pledge that Malaysia is committed to maintain at least 50 percent of our land mass under forest cover. Today, almost three decades later, I am proud to announce that we have not reneged on that pledge.

Malaysia’s forest cover is currently at 55.3% or 18.28 million hectares of our total land area, exceeding Malaysia’s initial commitment made in the Rio Earth Summit. This represents the nation’s will and commitment to conserve and sustainably manage our forest, its flora and fauna.

We have been accused of putting the need for development before the needs of our forests. The issue of deforestation for oil palm plantations has always been championed by our detractors.

The claims linking palm oil to deforestation is baseless, unfair and unjustified. These claims bring negative impact to Malaysia which depends highly on the palm oil industry to raise the socio-economic well-being of our people, in order to help us achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It has also significant detrimental effects on oil palm growers which include 650,000 smallholders as well as another 1.5 million people employed throughout the palm oil supply chain.

The truth is, the palm oil industry in Malaysia has been developed sustainably and responsibly. The Government, in adhering to the Sustainable Development Goals, has put in measures to ensure this industry does not cause environmental degradation as well as to avoid unsustainable practices such as destruction of forests and wildlife habitats.

I would like to take the opportunity to announce that the Merbau tree (Malacca teak) has been chosen as our National Tree. With its hardy nature, I believe that all Malaysians, can take the Merbau as a symbol of national pride.

I hereby reaffirm Malaysia’s commitment to maintain at least 50% of our land area under forest cover in accordance with our commitment made at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.

I am indeed confident that the ‘Hutan Kita’ Exhibition will be a catalyst in increasing awareness among us with regards to our forest. It is our forest and therefore we are responsible for it.

On that note, it gives me great pleasure to declare the ‘Hutan Kita’ Exhibition officially open.

at the Launch Ceremony of the "Hutan Kita" Exhibition, Kuala Lumpur Tower
23rd August 2019 ... See MoreSee Less