Malaysia, between grandiose metropolises and sublime landscapes
A stay in Malaysia is an opportunity to enjoy attractive metropolises. Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are often must-sees, and fascinate with their lively districts and sometimes surprising architecture. But Malaysia also offers incredible nature to discover, a wealth to protect in the face of the many environmental challenges of our contemporary times. This is why several national parks have been created, both in Borneo and on the peninsula. There are many rainforests in the region, one of the oldest being in Taman Negara National Park. Many species of animal live here, including elephants, tigers and black panthers. Canoeing, rafting and trekking enthusiasts can climb Mount Gunung Tahan, the highest peak on the Malaysian peninsula. A similar experience awaits travellers in Brunei's Ulu Temburong National Park. Here, too, you can enjoy the density of the forest, especially as you gain height by walking through the canopy. How can you fail to marvel at the richness of Malaysia's wildlife? In Endau Rompin National Park, you'll come across numerous mammals, frogs, insects and the last remaining Sumatran rhinos. The waterfalls offer sublime spots for a stopover, and the rivers running through the park are prime terrain for river trekking enthusiasts. Another species worth protecting is the orangutan. You can get close to them in the Semenggoh reserve or at the Sepilok rehabilitation center, which takes in and prepares orphaned orangutans to return to the jungle. Monkeys are also present in large numbers in Malaysia, particularly in Bako National Park, where you'll come across long-tailed macaques, silver langurs and the local staple, the nasal monkey. If you're looking to marvel at the beauty of nature and take photos, Gunung Mulu National Park is the place to be, with its network of underground caves. The karst peaks here, with their dangerous silhouettes, bear witness to the way in which nature can take on aspects we never knew existed.
Malaysia's environmental challenges
Malaysia is not exempt from environmental problems. The first is deforestation. Today, 60% of Malaysia's primeval forest has been destroyed by deforestation. The main cause is the proliferation of palm oil plantations, palm oil being a key ingredient for many industries, from biofuels to cosmetics and chocolate. The plantations are accused of destroying tropical forests and endangering the habitat of numerous animals. In response to this problem, which is of grave concern to environmentalists, a laboratory is currently attempting to create dwarf oil palm seedlings as part of a sustainable environmental project. While this project reveals a desire to limit deforestation, it does not calm the anger of many environmentalists, particularly in Europe, where palm oil is considered harmful to health, in addition to destroying biodiversity. The NGO Friends of the Earth(www.amisdelaterre.org) even believes that forest cutting in Malaysia must be stopped, to protect animals and biodiversity, and to prevent the movement of indigenous populations. Another major problem is the impact of forest fires in Indonesia on Malaysia. Prolonged dry seasons and slash-and-burn cultivation by palm oil companies, who burn the forest before planting, are wreaking havoc. The smoke clouds created plunge Kuala Lumpur and Singapore in particular into an unbreathable fog, with harmful effects on the health of locals and tourists alike. In 2019, the decision was taken to temporarily close 2,500 schools in Malaysia to protect the population from these toxic fumes. The problem of fires is a source of tension between Malaysia and Indonesia.
The particular case of plastic pollution
Plastic waste is a global problem that the international community is struggling to manage. For a long time, Asia and countries like China and Malaysia have been accepting plastic waste from around the world for recycling. In Malaysia, plastic imports have tripled since 2016. In 2018, they amounted to 870,000 tonnes, with the result that the number of polluting reprocessing plants is multiplying rapidly, often operating without permits and with little regard for environmental protection. In response to this relentless pollution, Malaysian Minister Yeo Bee Yin, in charge of Energy, Environment and Science, urged developed countries to stop shipping their waste to the country. She said Malaysia would not hesitate to return waste to the countries of origin, and asserted that the authorities would continue to crack down on factories involved in illegal imports. As a result, 150 illegal recycling plants have already been shut down. In a part of the world where countries often seem frightened of ecological issues, the Minister's reaction is an encouraging sign of determination to eradicate certain ecological problems and play an active part in protecting the environment.
Ecology in cities, the example of Singapore
Asian metropolises are constantly evolving, and often criticized for the pollution that this development entails. But Singapore is now considered Asia's most sustainable city. Sustainable development is even at the heart of its concerns. Urban solutions have been put in place, enabling it to appear in ARCADIS' Top 5 most sustainable cities of 2018. Many of the monuments that are built combine modern architecture with tree planting, and the government has even created a "Green Mark" certification based on five criteria: water savings, energy performance, quality of interior fittings, integration into the external environment and innovative character. A fine example is the Oasia Hotel Downtown (100 Peck Seah St, Singapore), whose façade has been covered with 54 different varieties of plant. The WOHA architectural firm behind the project wanted to create a fully-fledged ecosystem in the city. The building features open gardens, and the presence of plants maintains a refreshing atmosphere in the rooms and office. Most of the water needed to irrigate the plants comes from rainwater. The objective is clear and ambitious: by 2030, the city must have 80% green buildings. When you walk around Singapore, it's obvious that green spaces and the desire to combine urbanity and nature are very important, and it's a model in this field. However, the efforts of the authorities must continue, as Singapore is currently only the 7thcountry in the world in terms of its ecological footprint. In fact, electricity consumption has increased 4-fold in 40 years, and three-quarters of the population have air-conditioning in their homes due to the tropical climate.
Tropical Malaysia, beware of the sea
Many travellers appreciate Malaysia for its tropical atmosphere, with its jungles and superb beaches and year-round mild weather. Nature lovers are well advised to explore the Danum Valley protected area, dubbed "the prodigious environment" by naturalists. It boasts one of the world's most complex ecosystems, with over 15,000 plant species, including trees that can reach 50 metres in height. Take a break near the waterfalls and let yourself be lulled by birdsong. More than 340 species have been recorded here. Its fauna evokes an incomparable site, with the presence of elephants, sun bears, orangutans, wild cats and rhinoceroses. Then there's the sea, with an archipelago of 99 extraordinary islands, the Langkawi Islands, to the northwest of the territory, on the Thai border. They offer resplendent, wild landscapes. There are high cliffs topped by pristine forests that plunge into the sea, inaccessible coves, bays and caves. The Perhentian Islands are a small paradise on land and under the sea. There are no roads, no cars, just small wooden bungalows and everything that makes you think of a soothing tropical getaway: white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, virgin forest in the background, as on the Besar and Kecil islands. The seabed on the Perhentian Islands is breathtaking. Snorkelers can observe turtles, parrotfish, clownfish, blacktip sharks and multicolored coral. Like many paradise islands that welcome tourists, it's a sad fact that many people leave their garbage in the jungle, on the beaches or throw their cigarette butts into the sea. Coral is also dying from the passage of boats full of visitors. To protect this exceptionally rich environment, the government has created marine parks such as Tun-Mustapha. Fishing and motorized water sports are prohibited in order to protect biodiversity and marine resources. The establishment of the Tun-Mustapha Park in Malaysia is a first step towards protecting this maritime region around the northern tip of the island of Borneo. The NGO WWF(www.wwf.fr) supports the park and is actively involved in the conservation of this ecosystem, whether by supporting the development of sustainable fishing guidelines and standards, or by working with local populations to adapt to climate change. In particular, it is involved in the reforestation of mangroves. A strong partnership between the authorities and an NGO is essential if Malaysia is to continue to keep its wealth alive.
