Introduction

The Malaysian Federation covers around 330,803 square kilometres of land between 1° and 7° latitude north of the equator at longitude 100° and 119° east. Comprising the peninsular states, and Sabah and Sarawak on the north of Borneo Island, with the two regions separated by the South China Sea, it has 4,675 kilometre of coastline. It is amongst the top twenty countries for the most endangered amphibian, mammal, and conifer species (United Nations 2011, pp. 111–12), providing the only habitat to certain species. Malaysia is known for its tropical timber. It is a leading exporter of palm oil. Besides other industrial crops, food and other agricultural produce, it exports tin, crude petroleum, and liquefied natural gas. Most of its petroleum resources are in its continental shelf.

Malaysia has a population of 28.3 million, with a favourable population density of 85,400 persons per square kilometre. It has used its natural resources to achieve enviable socio-economic development. The government has launched ten five-year development plans, which have been guided by longer term policies formulated in response to national and international socio-economic conditions as the country is increasingly globalized.

Similar to the international community, Malaysia has been concerned about the environment and sustainable development. Malaysia's economic successes have increased expectations of continuing economic growth and its accompanying pressures on the environment. Malaysian official inclusion of social concerns exerts further demands. Its traditional community participation in the village is evolving into national and international networks with improving electronic connectivity, and the necessary government consultation with the public compounds environmental challenges. The current uncertain world economic outlook further exacerbates the urgency.

This chapter examines the state of the Malaysian environment and activities affecting it. It explores government policies and programmes. It takes stock of the constraints influencing Malaysia's achievements before exploring strategies for achieving inclusive sustainable development. The analysis is based on the aspirations for economic growth, equity, socio-political development, and sound management of the natural environment. It emphasizes human well-being over the generations, and the environment is taken as the means towards this end.

Socio-Economic Background

Malaysia had a per capita gross national income (GNI) of RM26,175 in 2010 (or US$11,800 at US$1 = RM2.3624). Its gross domestic product (GDP) growth averaged over 6 per cent for 1970–2000 and approximately 5 per cent for 2000–10.