In-depth reporting on Malaysia and the region.
Malaysia is exploring deeper cooperation with Japan on waste management and circular economy practices. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming highlighted Japan's efficient waste separation system as a model for developing Malaysia's sustainability agenda.
Malaysia's Housing and Local Government Ministry will nominate 2026 Cleaning Workers Award recipients for state honours, expanding a recognition programme pioneered by Penang to celebrate the contributions of nearly 27,000 workers.
Penang's Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has indicated the state stands prepared to curtail outdoor activities, particularly in educational institutions, should air quality deteriorate further amid moderate pollution readings.
Sabah's fire authority has called on residents to cease open burning activities as thick smoke from Kalimantan forest fires drifts northward, degrading air quality. Officials warn vulnerable groups to take precautions.
Pahang's Ecological Fiscal Transfer allocation has grown to RM24.57 million in 2025, up from RM23.22 million previously. Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail highlighted the funding increase will strengthen forest conservation while generating substantial state revenue.
Southeast Asian nations confront interconnected challenges ranging from environmental degradation to labour disputes, with Indonesia addressing waste management, the Philippines lifting IT park restrictions, Singapore tackling measles resurgence, and Thailand grappling with creator economy risks.
Deep-sea mining poses a severe threat to mollusc species living near hydrothermal vents, with 62% of endemic species at risk, according to the IUCN's latest Red List update released this week.
Kelantan's Deputy Menteri Besar has pledged that all degazetted forest reserves will be replaced to maintain the state's forest cover, addressing concerns over the Temangan Forest Reserve mining development.
Malaysia's federal government has committed RM250 million through the Ecological Fiscal Transfer scheme to support biodiversity conservation across all states next year, with funding mechanisms designed to ensure local communities benefit from natural resource development.