Sixteenth International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

Malaysia enjoys several natural advantages that position it favourably to attain net-zero emissions. Among these advantages is its abundant carbon sinks, primarily the natural forests that play a pivotal role by sequestering approximately three-quarters of the country’s total carbon dioxide emissions. Nevertheless, several challenges impede the effective protection of forests in Malaysia. This paper provides an evaluation of the current state of forest protection in Malaysia, focusing on major obstacles hindering effective conservation. It examines regulatory gaps pertaining to forest protection and addresses regulatory issues related to land use change, as well as the protection of indigenous people’s land rights. The discussion advocates for the strengthening of legislation governing the conversion of forest for alternative land use, with a promotion of carbon credit production as a sustainable alternative that preserves forest integrity. It is argued that these measures could contribute to Malaysia’s goals of conserving and protecting forest cover. Recognizing the intricacies of Malaysia’s demographic and political landscape, the study emphasizes the need for legal reforms concerning forest-dependent communities, as well as their active involvement in carbon activities, to adequately safeguard the livelihoods and rights of these communities and further advance forest protection.