Stop threats against environmental defenders - Environmental group

SHAH ALAM - Environmental group Climate Emergency Coalition of Malaysia (GDIMY) is demanding for the government and authorities to immediately stop the threats against environmental defenders and journalists.

This, the group said was following the harassment and legal intimidation brought against those who were against the exploitation of natural resources and the poor response on the flood situation in Pahang, recently.

"GDIMY demands that the government and authorities at all levels stop the threats against environmental defenders and reporters immediately.

"They (environmental defenders) include Association for the Protection of Natural Heritage of Malaysia (Peka) president Puan Sri Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil, Save Rivers director Peter Kallang, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) reporter Sean Augustin, Kuala Langat Environmental Action Group founding member Pua Lay Peng, Bentong MP Shaq Koyok and the Orang Asli community who are defending their heritage and legal rights," it said in a statement.

It had in its statement cited a statement by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah on Oct 12, last year, in conjunction with Malaysia's win in obtaining a seat in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2022 – 2024 term, saying that it believed that by supporting the resolution, Malaysia acknowledges that environmental degradation was among the most serious threats to the present and future generations.

Saifuddin's statement said "Malaysia welcomes the HRC Resolution that highlights the human rights implications of environmental damage and climate change faced by individuals and communities around the world, especially vulnerable groups, including the indigenous peoples, older persons, persons with disabilities, and women".

"The group believes that by supporting the resolution, Malaysia acknowledges that environmental degradation, climate change and unsustainable development were among the most serious threats to the present and future generations.

"The extreme weather, deforestation and pollution in Malaysia were the effects of human activities and the environmental defenders are the ones who will voice out such injustice," it said.

GDIMY also said it was worried that the legal action by the Strategic lawsuits against public participation (also known as SLAPP suits) and other forms of prosecution and persecution would become a pattern that would benefit only a few while the others were left to suffer.

These kinds of threats, it said should not be overlooked, especially when it comes to the defenders of the environment and those found to have put such threats should be investigated by all regulatory bodies.

"Therefore, we are demanding for a legal notice to be withdrawn with immediate effect, Malaysians' right to clean air and water and the conservation and access to the natural environment are protected for the public, especially environmentalists," it said.

The group had also stated that a notice warning the media to not publish any statement relating to Shariffa Sabrina's case has been issued by the court as her case was still ongoing.

On March 15, Shariffa Sabrina, 60, pleaded not guilty at the Raub Sessions Court in Pahang, to three counts of unlawful occupation of state land.

The land involved is alleged to have been turned into a resort area and for business activities by Tanah Aina Fareena Cafe & Restaurant, Tanah Aina Fahad Glamping Resort and Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya Exclusive Eco Resort.

Her case will be up for mention on April 25.