BFM :: Earth Matters

Malaysia has made big promises on climate — from net-zero by 2050 to supporting clean energy. But are we walking the talk? A just-released report from environmental think-tank RimbaWatch and independent research organisation the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) suggests otherwise, revealing that our fossil fuel plans could lock in emissions equivalent to those of India in a single year. We speak to Adam Farhan, the Director of RimbaWatch and a co-author of the report, about the contradictions in our energy strategy, and what policy change might look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to protecting Malaysia's natural heritage, sometimes it's the smallest creatures that spark the biggest movements. In Sungai Sepetang, fireflies are uniting communities, scientists, and storytellers alike. This was captured in Macaranga's latest publication, titled: It Takes a Village to Keep Fireflies Flashing. We chat with the article's writer Liani MK, and Sonny Wong, a member of the IUCN Firefly Specialist Group, who is also currently the Honorary Secretary of the Fireflyers International Network, about the fight to save these glowing wonders, and why local voices matter more than ever.Image Credit: Dr Wan FA Jusoh/ MacarangaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As urban areas expand and forests shrink, humans and macaques are increasingly crossing paths - but not always peacefully. What can we do to reduce negative interactions, and promote harmony with our wild neighbours? Dr Nadine Ruppert (Vice-President of the Malaysian Primatological Society, and an associate professor at the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia), Dr Sharmini Julita Paramasivam (veterinarian, Associate Professor at the University Of Surrey, and the Founder & Project Lead of The Animal Neighbours Project) and Dr Jo Leen Yap (wildlife researcher and Environmental Educator at Langur Project Penang) are all leading important work on the ground to foster co-existence, shift public perception, and protect both people and primates. They join us to share solutions and how we can co-exist with macaques, and why instead of fearing or fighting them, we must learn to live alongside them peacefully.Image Credit: Langur Project PenangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent settlement between the Temoq Orang Asli and a major oil palm company is being called a breakthrough for indigenous land rights in Malaysia. But while it's a step forward in court, it's not the end of the story. What was gained, what was lost, and what's next? To help us unpack this complex case, we're joined by Dr Lim Teckwyn Lim, who was an environmental expert witness on the case, and Kamilia Rozlan, who was the community liason on the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy month for environmental news in Malaysia, from courtrooms to highland roads and wildlife crossings. In this roundup with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga - Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn - we're taking a closer look at three major stories that grabbed headlines in May: a key court decision involving Bukit Cherakah forest reserve, a controversial road project planned for Cameron Highlands, and the tragic death of an elephant calf that once again raises questions about human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation. Image Credit: Shah Alam Community Forest Society, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're kicking off a new series on Earth Matters, Nature Reads, a show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at independent bookstore Sunda Shelves, and in this first episode, we explore the storybook called Sen'oi Serog, published by the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre. It's a rich, collaborative work inspired by the oral traditions and ecological wisdom of the Temiar people in the Belum-Temengor forest of Hulu Perak. Together with co-host Surin Suksuwan (biodiversity conservationist and co-founder, Sunda Shelves) we speak to Lucy Wong and Hairul Abdullah, both also biodiversity conservationists and the book's co-writers and producers. We'll talk about indigenous knowledge, forest taboos, fruiting seasons, and the deep relationship between people and place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Otters are more than just cute faces, they are top predators in the wetland food chain and guardians of ecosystem balance. Ahead of World Otters Day, the Malaysia Otter Network and Rimbun Dahan are teaming up to shine a light on these remarkable mammals through a day of engaging activities for all ages. We speak with wildlife biologist Woo Chee Yoong and Rimbun Dahan's Bilqis Hijjas about the event and the broader mission to protect Malaysia's wetlands and their wild inhabitants.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2024, Malaysia experienced its most devastating coral bleaching event on record, with more than half of the country's corals turning ghostly white under extreme ocean heat. It was part of the fourth global coral bleaching event, a stark reminder of how climate change is rapidly reshaping our seas. To understand what this means for our reefs, marine life, and coastal communities, we speak with coral reef ecologists Sebastian Szereday (Co-founder, Coralku) and Alvin Chelliah (Chief Programme Officer, Reef Check Malaysia), two of the lead authors of a comprehensive new report documenting the impact, and what we can do about it. Image Credit: Coralku Solutions, Reef Check Malaysia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Songbird competitions are a cherished tradition across Malaysia, but behind the melodic chirps and prized trophies lies a booming - and troubling - trade. Recent investigations have revealed how demand for birds like the Oriental Magpie-robin and Red-whiskered Bulbul is pushing wild populations to the brink, all while legal protections lag behind. All of this is covered in Macaranga's latest two-part series on songbirds, and we speak with the researchers and journalists behind this story - Low Choon Chyuan, independent journalist, Wong Siew Lyn, editor, Macaranga, Dato' Dr Amar Singh-HSS, editor, Malaysian Bird Report - to understand what's driving the craze, the costs to conservation, and what can be done before it's too late.Image Credit: Mukhriz Hazim | MacarangaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, but protecting its incredible wildlife is no easy task. Shavez Cheema, founder of 1StopBorneo Wildlife, has dedicated his life to doing just that, blending education, community work, and tourism to create real conservation impact. He joins us to talk about his work in conservation, his brand-new, free Borneo Nature Travel Guide, and why we need to rethink the way we approach nature tourism.Image Credit:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As biodiversity loss accelerates, there's a growing push to get financial institutions to take responsibility. In Malaysia, Bank Negara has announced plans to adopt nature-related risk assessments inspired by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures or TNFD, which is a global initiative that provides a framework for companies and financial institutions to report and manage nature-related risks and impacts. But how effective — or even fair — is this framework? Shona Hawkes, a Senior Advisor on Finance at the Rainforest Action Network, joins us to explore why many environmental and rights groups are deeply concerned about the TFND, and why they believe its practices could open the door to more corporate greenwashing.Image Credit: Forests & Finance | YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's our fourth round-up of environmental news for 2025, with the good folks from environmental journalism portal Macaranga. Co-founders Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua join us to look back at news from April 2025, first focussing on the troubling news about beheadings of Bornean pygmy elephants in Sabah, and the possible reasons behind these gruesome killings. Next we dissect the dispute between YP Olio Sdn Bhd and the Temoq Orang Asli community in Pahang, which recently ended with what is being described as a "landmark settlement", though still at great expense for the community and nature. Finally, the first National Climate Change Action Council (NCCAC) meeting of 2025 was held last week, chaired by the Prime Minister - what were some of the outcomes of this high-level meeting? Yao Hua and Siew Lyn get us up to speed.Image Credit: Shutterstock, Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC) | FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gonggong, sea cucumbers, and carpet anemones—just some of the treasures gleaned from Johor's seagrass meadows. Seagrass meadows are often overlooked in conservation plans, yet for coastal communities in Johor, they're essential. In this second episode of our two-part series on seagrass, we want to explore the connection between seagrass meadows and small-scale fishing communities in Johor with Associate Professor Dr Jillian Ooi, a marine ecologist from the University of Malaya. Dr Jillian is the co-author of a study that explored the seagrass-gleaning activities of communities in the Sungai Johor estuary, with a focus on Kampung Perigi Acheh. She joins us to discuss how these underwater grasslands support food security, livelihoods, and culture, especially for women. Image Credit: Associate Professor Dr Jillian OoiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably heard about saving coral reefs and planting mangroves, but what about seagrass? These underwater meadows are quietly holding up our coasts and climate, but we're losing them fast - at about two football fields every hour, globally. In the first of a two part series on seagrass, we speak to marine ecologist Associate Professor Dr. Jillian Ooi, to help us understand seagrass better, why protecting existing seagrass is far more effective than replanting, and what's at stake if we don't act now.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's forests and ecosystems are critical to both our natural heritage and climate goals — and yet, managing them often falls to state governments with limited resources and incentives. That's where the Ecological Fiscal Transfer, or EFT, comes in: a federal funding mechanism designed to reward states for protecting their natural assets. But how well is it working, and what could make it stronger? To explore these questions, we speak to Samantha Ho, a regional correspondent with media company EcoBusiness, who recently co-authored a two-part series on EFTs for Macaranga, exploring how EFTs function on the ground. We also speak to environmental lawyer Preetha Sankar, who joins us to offer a legal perspective on how these funds could be better supported by policy and regulation. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a classic David versus Goliath story: two environmental NGOs taking on the state government to protect Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve — only to be held back by a judicial delay that's lasted over a year. Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka) and the Shah Alam Community Forest Society (SACF) say the system is failing them, and the forest, with legal processes moving far too slowly to keep pace with the chainsaws. We hear from Alicia Teoh, (Founder and Secretary, Shah Alam Community Forest Society), Damien Thanam (Exco, Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam) and lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan (President, Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam), who explain the details of this on-going case, and share why this pristine rainforest must be protected from further destruction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from energy think tank Ember reveals a global clean energy milestone: low-carbon sources supplied 40.9% of the world's electricity in 2024, driven by record-breaking growth in solar power. In contrast, ASEAN generated just 26% of its electricity from clean sources, and clean generation in the region is no longer keeping pace with demand. With massive solar and wind potential still largely untapped, experts say the region is well-positioned to accelerate its clean energy transition — if the right policies are in place. We speak to the co-authors of the report, Euan Graham (Global Electricity and Data Analyst, Ember) and Nicholas Fulghum (Senior Data Analyst, Ember) to explore the turning points, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of electricity—especially in Asia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bukit Kiara is one of the Klang Valley's last remaining green lungs, a beloved patch of forest that offers a daily dose of nature to thousands of urban dwellers. But beyond its walking trails and morning joggers lies an ecosystem teeming with life — that is also under threat. We speak with Professor Darryl Jones, an urban ecologist and bird expert from the Centre for Planetary Health & Food Security, at the School of Environment & Science, Griffith University, and Dr. Kriban G. Naidu, the immediate past president of Friends of Bukit Kiara, to hear the story of how a shared love for this urban forest sparked a powerful collaboration — and why the time to protect Bukit Kiara is now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah has introduced its first-ever 10-year Bornean Sun Bear Action Plan (2025–2034) to tackle the pressing threats facing the species, which is classified as vulnerable to extinction. Developed through extensive consultation, the plan focuses on habitat protection, stronger law enforcement, population monitoring, and public awareness. We catch up with Dr. Wong Siew Te, a wildlife biologist, tropical forest ecologist, and the CEO and Founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), to better understand the plan, which aims to secure a viable sun bear population in Sabah while addressing key threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade.Image Credit: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's airports have become hotspots for wildlife trafficking, with thousands of animals smuggled through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in just the last few months. Endangered primates, turtles, reptiles, and even bats have been packed into luggage and flown out of the country, often only intercepted at other airports outside the country. What's allowing this illegal trade to thrive, and what needs to be done to stop it? We speak to Kanitha Krishnasamy, the Director of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, to understand the scale of the problem, and the urgent action needed to stop it.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we close off March, time to look back at some of the top environmental news from the month past, with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal, Macaranga. Together we discuss some current legal disputes being played out in court involving Orang Asli communities, who are facing issues such as destruction of their ancestral land and cultural heritage. We also discuss the supposed pro's and con's CCUS, seeing as how the Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage Bill 2025 (CCUS Bill 2025) was passed earlier this month by the Dewan Rakyat. Looking forward to April – these second Semai & Tuai event will be happening at the end of the month, organised by Macaranga - Yao Hua and Siew Lyn share what's in store at this event for all.Image Credit: Shutterstock, RimbaWatch, MacarangaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind every wildlife crime is a legal battle - one that Justice for Wildlife Malaysia (JWM) is determined to strengthen. Recognising the critical role of the judiciary in conservation, JWM works to enhance prosecutorial processes, improve investigative methods, and educate legal professionals on the far-reaching impacts of wildlife crime. Originally a spin-off of the Justice for Silent Victims (J4SV) program by Panthera and Rimba, JWM has since grown into an independent force under the leadership of Dr. Nor Arlina Amirah Ahmad Ghani (Ann), working alongside conservation partners to ensure Malaysia's laws truly protect its wildlife. Ann joins us to share more.Image Credit: Justice for Wildlife Malaysia (JWM)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) is often presented as a solution to climate change, including here in Malaysia. But according to new research by environmental think-tank RimbaWatch, CCUS is not only ineffective at reducing emissions but is actively enabling further fossil fuel extraction, and could actually unlock a 1.3 billion-tonne carbon bomb. With billions of ringgit at stake and a CCUS Bill in progress, what are the risks, and what's the alternative? We speak to Adam Farhan, Director of RimbaWatch, to find out.Image Credit: RimbaWatchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Just Energy Transition Partnership, or JETP, was designed to help countries move away from coal, towards clean energy. But with the United States recently pulling out of its financial commitments, many are wondering if the model can still work. Grant Hauber, an expert in energy finance, who has been closely following developments, argues that the JETP can still succeed without U.S. involvement. Grant, who is the Strategic Energy Finance Adviser for Asia, at the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEFFA), joins us to break down what happened, why this matters for all of us, and what's next for the JETP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a major development project is announced—whether it's a highway, a dam, or a large-scale plantation—one of the most critical steps in the process is the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). But how does the EIA process work, and how much influence does public feedback really have? In a three-part series, environmental journalism portal Macaranga spoke to stakeholders to explore all this and more, and we speak to environmental journalist Law Yao Hua who wrote the articles, EIA consultant and auditor Khairulina Mohd Kamaruddin, and Hawa Wahid, the President of Persatuan Aktivis Sahabat Alam (KUASA), to break down the complexities of EIAs, why public participation matters, and how we can make the process more transparent and effective.Image Credit: Macaranga See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations, farmers in Malaysia have saved and shared seeds, preserving biodiversity, culture, and food security. But a new proposed law could change that, shifting control of seeds—and ultimately food production—into the hands of corporations. What does this mean for the future of farming in Malaysia? How will it impact smallholder farmers, indigenous communities, and even consumers? We discuss this and more with Gabriel Hii, the co-chair of the Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance, and Anjelen Daransun, the coordinator of the Socio-Economic Programme at PACOS Trust, and a fourth generation seed guardian from Sabah.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mah Meri's bunga moyang, or ancestral spirit flowers, are more than just beautiful weavings - they carry deep spiritual meaning and reflect a way of life in harmony with nature. Adat & Alam: The Mah Meri Ancestral Spirit Flowers, a new book by Gerimis Art Project, compiled with guidance by the Tompoq Topoh collective, documents this sacred craft through photographs, illustrations, and essays. We speak with Gerimis Art's co-founder Wendi Sia, to discover more about the collaboration between Gerimis and the Mah Meri community, and also to explore the significance of these weavings and learn how this book preserves not just a craft, but an entire way of seeing and respecting the natural world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gibbons are among the most endangered primates in the world, yet their trafficking rarely makes headlines. As smuggling operations grow bolder, urgent action is needed to protect these intelligent, social creatures. But enforcement failures, lack of transparency, and weak rehabilitation efforts threaten their survival. So, what can be done? We're joined by Mariani ‘Bam' Ramli (President & Founder of the Gibbon Conservation Society) and Dr. Susan M Cheyne (Vice-Chair for the IUCN Primate Specialist Group Section on Small Apes, Co-Director of Borneo Nature Foundation International, and an advisor to Gibbon Conservation Society) to discuss the crisis - and what we can do to fight back. Image Credit: Gibbon Conservation SocietySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For February's wrap-up of top environmental news, Wong Siew Lyn, co-founder of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, joins us to first discuss the impacts of the recent flooding on conservation projects in Kinabatangan in Sabah, then to explain the government's plans to punish litterbugs, and finally how Malaysia chairing ASEAN might impact the environment and sustainability efforts across the region. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, Indigenous communities in Sarawak have fought to protect their ancestral lands from unsustainable logging, challenging industry practices and certification schemes that failed to recognise their rights. Their persistence has led to a victory that saw contested logging concessions lose their certification, marking a turning point in the push for stronger protections. We speak with Celine Lim, Managing Director of Save Rivers, to find out more how the Stop The Chop campaign played a huge part in this, and what this latest update means for community-led conservation. We also discuss the flaws in Malaysia's timber certification system, and what's next in the fight for Indigenous land rights.Image Credit: The Borneo ProjectSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perdana Botanical Garden is more than just a scenic escape in the heart of Kuala Lumpur—it's also a gateway to understanding Malaysia's rich biodiversity. Thanks to the newly established Forest Learning Centre, visitors now have the opportunity to explore nature through guided walks designed to make forest learning fun and accessible. From pollinators to wetlands and even nighttime adventures, we find out more about these thematic walks from guide Siti Syuhada Sapno, who is also the Programme Coordinator at the Forest Learning Centre. We discuss why urban biodiversity matters, and how reconnecting with nature benefits both people, and the planet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's the state of Malaysia's coral reefs, and what can we do to protect them? These vibrant ecosystems are essential for marine life and coastal communities, but they face growing threats and pressure from human activity and climate change. Julian Hyde, the CEO of Reef Check Malaysia, walks us through the key findings of the Status of Coral Reefs in Malaysia 2024 report, focusing on the urgent need for sustainable management, and how protecting coral reefs is essential for Malaysia's economy and future.Image Credit: Reef Check MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Sabah, rescuing and rehabilitating sun bears is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in preparing them for life in the wild, while addressing the root causes of their declining population: illegal trade and loss of habitat. All of this is covered in Macaranga's latest article, Helping Sabah's Sun Bears Return to the Wild, which also discusses how many released bears struggle to survive back in the wild, and why conservationists are stressing that keeping sun bears in their natural habitats and stopping hunting, is more effective than rehabilitation. We speak to Vincent Tan, the journalist who wrote the piece, Dr. Wong Siew Te, a Wildlife Biologist, Tropical Forest Ecologist, and the CEO and Founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BCBCC), and Elizabeth John, the Communications Manager from TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, to learn more about the future of these vulnerable bears.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we think about climate action, it's easy to focus on what's happening in our own backyard. But the reality is, decisions made in big economies - especially in the US - have a huge impact on the rest of the world. With Donald Trump back for a second term as President of the United States of America, what does that mean for the environment? What policies could shift, and how might that affect global efforts to tackle the climate crisis? To help us make sense of it all, we speak to Rob Dietz, Program Director at the Post Carbon Institute. Rob, who is also the lead author of the bestselling book ‘Enough Is Enough: Building a Sustainable Economy in a World of Finite Resources' will share how these policies could shape the future, why it matters even for people outside the US, and what we can do to keep pushing for a more sustainable world.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As environmental awareness grows, initiatives like Zero Waste Malaysia's Green Wira Programme (GWP) are shaping the next generation of sustainability champions. GWP is an educational programme dedicated to training educators in Malaysia on sustainability and zero-waste living implementation. Currently open to primary and secondary school educators in the Klang Valley, the programme - which is endorsed by the Ministry of Education - equips teachers with the knowledge and skills to lead impactful waste reduction efforts in their schools and communities. Looking ahead, GWP has an ambitious goal: by 2030, it aims to empower 10,000 educators, impact 1,000,000 students, and establish 100 zero-waste schools to drive Malaysia towards a waste-free, sustainable future. What makes this year's edition unique? Irene Chooi, the Education Programme Manager at Zero Waste Malaysia, joins us to share insights on the programme's impact, and what's in store for 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States' exit from the Paris Agreement - again - raises urgent questions about the future of global climate negotiations. What does this mean for COP30 in Brazil, where countries are expected to present new climate commitments? How might the absence of US leadership affect international efforts to curb emissions? We speak to Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia and the Head of Programmes at the Third World Network, to help us break down the implications of this withdrawal, and what it means for the fight against climate change.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025's first round-up of top environmental news from the month past, we tackle how coastal erosion is devastating coastlines in some parts of Malaysia, before looking at how the highest sea temperatures on record in 2024 has led to one of the worst coral bleaching incidents in Malaysian waters. We also take a look at the Natural Resources And Environmental Sustainability Ministry's announcement that executive summaries of environmental impact assessment reports will be made accessible to the public from February, and what that actually means for us all. Joining us for this discussion are co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we slither into the Year of the Snake this Chinese New Year, it's the perfect time to shed our fears and learn more about these fascinating creatures. While snakes are often portrayed as symbols of fear or danger, they are in fact vital components of our natural world. We catch up with naturalist Andrew Sebastian, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY), to discuss Malaysia's incredible snake diversity, and why we should replace fear with fascination when it comes to these remarkable reptiles. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From misleading advertisements to vague sustainability promises, greenwashing is becoming a major hurdle in the fight against the climate crisis. The Zero Greenwashing Alliance, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Asia, aims to hold corporations accountable for their greenwashing while encouraging genuine climate solutions. We find out all about this groundbreaking initiative, including the Zero Greenwashing Alliance Database and Green Claims Guide, from Adam Farhan, the Director of RimbaWatch, the environmental think-tank conducting research and advocacy on climate-related issues in Maritime Southeast Asia.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every day, perfectly good food ends up in the trash while countless people struggle to find their next meal. But what if there was a way to fix both problems at once? Justin Cheah, Marketing Director of Kechara Soup Kitchen, joins us to show how it's done. We discuss Kechara Soup Kitchen's efforts to combat food waste, the inspiring stories behind their work, and the environmental and social ripple effects of their mission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nestled at the base of the Titiwangsa Mountains, the Behrang Ulu urban forest is a natural treasure that the local community has worked tirelessly to protect. Home to over 1,100 distinct varieties of trees and recognized as Asia's largest conservation nursery, the area is now under threat from industrial development. Local activists, conservationists, and legal experts are now calling for urgent measures to protect the forest, and we want to examine the importance of preserving this biodiversity-rich area, the legal protections in place, and what more needs to be done to secure its future. We speak to Prof. Dato' Er. Ts. Dr. Santharasekaran Subramaniam, President of the Nature Conservation Organisation of Malaysia, P Y Wong, Director of Greenleaf@Kampar, and Danielle Kuang, from Greenleaf@Kampar, to find out more.*You can sign the petition to support the preservation of the Ulu Behrang urban forest here.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petting zoos, with their promise of up-close wildlife encounters, have surged in popularity, blending education, entertainment, and exotic allure. Yet, as highlighted in Macaranga's latest two-part investigative report (Petting Wildlife Sending Mixed Signals and Jury Out on Whether Petting Zoos Aid Conservation), these facilities often walk a fine line between fostering conservation awareness and inadvertently harming wildlife. From stress-induced behaviours in animals to ethical concerns about sourcing exotic species and the risk of zoonotic diseases, the articles probe the complex realities of petting zoos in Malaysia. Joining us to discuss this are Macaranga co-founder and editor Wong Siew Lyn, and writer Lee Kwai Han, to explore the deeper implications of petting zoos on wildlife welfare, conservation, and public perception.Image credits: Lee Kwai Han, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.