The Malaysian government’s mid-term review of the 11th Malaysia Plan heralded a shift in the national concept of development, moving away from a gross domestic product (GDP) - centric focus to one more on inclusivity and wellbeing. It also retained the strong drive for green growth and environmental sustainability, positioning it as the fifth milestone and making the conservation of natural resources a priority in achieving this milestone. Water, Land and Natural Resources (KATS) Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar stated that the federal government “has no intention of paying compensation to state governments which gazette forests as permanent reserves” and that “it is the responsibility of the state governments to retain the forests as water catchment areas”. We must understand that a forest is a public good that provides ecosystem services - a term used to recognise the importance of natural environment to human wellbeing and to our economy.

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New Straits Times