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Many studies have explored pro-environmental actions. This paper aims to extend the concept of pro-environmental action in the context of binary themes or perspectives. The extended conceptualisation is drawn from a study that investigates the influence of residential outdoor environmental education courses on Malaysian participants' environmental attitudes and behaviours using a life history approach. Data analysis revealed six binary pro-environmental actions: conforming/transforming action, compulsory/optional action, intentional/unintentional action, public/private sphere action, activist/non-activist action, and biospheric/anthropocentric-oriented action. The binary actions presented in this paper pull together all of the binary themes, both pre-existing ones and those emerging from the current study data. The paper provides recommendations about how one can contribute to environmental quality and positively impact the sustainable development agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protection against environmental crime is of particularly high importance in protected areas such as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, which are focused on the synergistic relationship between man and environment. This paper explores environmental protection of the Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve, located in a rural part of the State of Pahang in Malaysia. Tasik Chini was granted the status of the first Malaysian Biosphere Reserve in 2009 and was up for review by UNESCO in 2019. The alarming state of the lake's ecosystem, due to unabated anthropogenic interferences, exposes it to the risk of losing international recognition. This paper aims to examine the condition of Tasik Chini in the legal context, focusing on how the area can be better policed and managed to prevent environmental crime. The paper will firstly describe environmental harm caused (which continues) from logging and mining activities, as well as from agriculture in the reserve, followed by a review of relevant legislation in Malaysia. The study finds that there is no specific Malaysian legislation dedicated to the protection of Biosphere Reserves. However, there are relevant applicable laws, sufficient for conservation of the area and criminalisation of environmental harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the potential of nuclear energy, particularly in the power sector, to solve energy challenges and to address the pertinent issues regarding energy sustainability in Malaysia. The deployment of nuclear energy in various developed and developing countries has conspicuously helped sustaining energy security and sustainability due to its compatibility and protection of the environment. In addition to energy security, nuclear energy also offers significant benefits to socio-economic aspects. Thus, nuclear energy in developing countries, including Malaysia, has the potential to emerge as a new prospect in the energy sector using sophisticated technology and expert personnel to maximize the energy benefits with the least environmental risk. This step would certainly meet future energy demands and help accelerate the country's development with optimum energy generation in the country. Therefore, Malaysia should aim to resort to nuclear power generation whereby the current power sector is mainly generated by traditional means, with only a small fraction of it being renewable energy. With no experience in this field, Malaysia needs to establish collaboration with some country rich with nuclear-resource in order to build, maintain nuclear reactors and treat nuclear wastes. The development of such facility should also comply with the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Moreover, Malaysia has to introduce legislation and policies related to future nuclear energy. Thus, this paper discusses some of the pertinent issues related to the prospects of nuclear power generation in the country towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Malaysian government recognises the potential contribution of biotechnology to the national economy. However, ongoing controversy persists regarding its ethical status and no specific ethical guidelines have been published relating to its use. In developing such guidelines, it is important to identify the underlying principles that are acceptable to Malaysian society. This paper discusses the process of determining relevant secular and Islamic ethical principles and establishing their similarities before harmonising them. To achieve this, a series of focus group discussions were conducted with 23 knowledge experts representing various stakeholders in the biotechnology community. Notably, several principles between the secular and Islamic perspectives are indirectly or directly similar. All the experts agreed with the predominant six ethical principles of secular and Islamic philosophy and their importance and relevance in modern biotechnology. These are beneficence and non-maleficence as the main or overarching principles, the preservation of religious and moral values, the preservation of the intellect and the mind, the protection of human safety, the protection of future generations, and protection of the environment and biological diversity. Several adjustments were made to the terminologies and definitions of these six principles to formulate acceptable guiding principles for the ethics of modern biotechnology in Malaysia. These can then be adopted as core values to underpin future national guidelines on modern biotechnology ethics. These principles will be particularly important in guiding the policy makers, enforcers, industries and researchers to streamline their activities. In so doing, modern biotechnology and its products can be properly managed without jeopardising the interests of the Muslim community as well as the general public. Importantly, they are expansive and inclusive enough to embrace the religious sensitivity of diverse quarters of Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Maritime Organization has set a goal to achieve a 50% reduction of total annual greenhouse gas emission related to the international shipping by 2050 compared to the 2008 baseline emissions. Malaysia government has taken an initiative to investigate the assessment (cost-effectiveness) of this International Maritime Organization's short-term measure on Malaysian-registered domestic ships although this measure is only for international merchant ship. To achieve this, this paper collected the ship's data from the shipowners from 25 sample ships. Engine power limitation is the most cost-effective option, but low power limits can lead to substantially increased sailing times. Based on cost-efficiency analysis, it creates for the purpose of compliance with the operational carbon intensity indicator. It found that even if it is possible to bring an asset back into service, it may not be possible to do so in a manner that generates a profit or complies with applicable regulations. In these situations, it may be more prudent to scrap the asset rather than run the risk of having it become a stranded asset. This is especially true for older tankers. Alternatives with lengthy payback periods are not desirable for the domestic tanker fleet that is already in operation. [Display omitted] • International Maritime Organization cut greenhouse gas emissions. • This report collects shipowner data from 25 sample ships. • Low engine power limitation can increase sailing times. • It found that reactivating an asset may not be profitable or compliant. • Instead of risking stranding, it may be better to scrap the asset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of green materials is a vital component in tackling problems of environmental protection. At the same time, these materials help solve problems arising from the shortage and undegradable nature of petroleum-based materials. Among the numerous green material sources in Malaysia, the sugar palm tree is a versatile plant that can produce biofibres, biomatrices, and biocomposites for a wide range of applications. This paper focuses mainly on the significance of the unutilised part of sugar fibres, as they are highly durable and easy to process. Besides discussing recent advances in research into sugar palm fibres and their biocomposites, this paper also addresses recent advances in research into the development of new biodegradable polymers derived from sugar palm starch. Fibre surface treatment, product development, and efforts to enhance the properties of sugar palm fibre composites are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Currently, around 90% of Malaysia's electricity generation depends on fossil fuels. This reliance, in a long run, is not a secure option. However, renewable energy sources can contribute to a sustainable electricity generation system; but diversifying fuel supply chain is a complex process. Therefore, the aim of this paper is two folds. Firstly, various renewable resources potential are reviewed, and secondly an assessment model is developed for prioritizing renewable options. Four major resources, hydropower, solar, wind, biomass (including biogas and municipal solid waste) are considered. Their electricity generation potential, along with any likely shortcoming is also discussed. Moreover, using a multi-perspective approach based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP), an assessment model is developed. AHP model employs four main criteria, technical, economical, social and environmental aspects, and twelve sub-criteria. From the review it was found that renewable resources seem to have a sufficient potential to develop a sustainable electricity system. Furthermore, AHP model prioritize those resources, revealing that solar is the most favorable resource followed by biomass. Hydropower and wind however, are ranked third and fourth, respectively. The model also shows that each resource is inclined towards a particular criterion; solar towards economical, biomass towards social, hydropower towards technical, and wind towards environmental aspect. Besides reporting AHP model for the first time in Malaysian context, the assessment performed in this study, can serve decision makers to formulate long-term energy policy aiming for sustainability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The stormwater management in construction site is an important, complicate and time-consuming task that relates to huge amount of information, data, domain law, and expert knowledge and experience in terms of environmental protection, soil erosion, and receiving water protection. This paper presents an expert system “RP3CA” that is used to mitigate stormwater pollution during construction activities. A most important function of the RP3CA is its user interface, which utilizes Geographic Information System functions as a supportive component to display spatial maps. Decision tables and trees are used to acquire expert knowledge and experience. Certainty Factor is used for measuring the expert belief or disbelief of the system rules. Opinion integration of multiple experts is obtained by application of Expert Choice software where various alternatives are available. Assessment suggestions and results are derived utilizing a forward chaining inference mechanism. Unit testing, integrated testing, system testing, two test cases, comparison of system results, internal experts, and external experts, reviewers feedback by system application, and validation of system reasoning are used to demonstrate the proposed RP3CA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper aims to present Malaysia''s green developments, focusing on the National Green Technology Policy and Green Building Index which have been introduced since 2009. Various green initiatives and their progresses to date will be discussed as well as the key implementing green agencies. The benefits of going green to the country and incentives being offered by the Malaysian Government are also presented. The prospect of a green future in Malaysia, spurred by the worldwide outlook towards sustainable development and environmental preservation is very bright. Pursuing green technology in economic and social developments not only helps sustain the non-renewable fuels, safeguards and minimises the environmental degradation due to carbon emissions, it also creates a strong green economy and industry, inline with the country''s vision as well as the rest of the world economies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

After the 1970s, Malaysia''s economy diversified from agriculture into manufacturing. The manufacturing sector''s contribution grew from a mere 13.4% of the total GDP in 1970, to 30.3% of the GDP in 2007. Realising that increasing industrialisation causes threats to the environment, Malaysia has always emphasised environmental protection. The 2008 Environmental Performance Index (EPI) study carried out by Yale University and Columbia University ranked Malaysia 26th out of 149 countries that participated in the study. However, there are still a number of challenges that need immediate attention, particularly issues pertaining to chemical management. Several initiatives pertaining to chemical management are currently carried out by various agencies across government, private sector and civil society but these initiatives take a sectoral approach. Several structures are suggested towards the establishment of a sound chemical management system (CMS) in Malaysia, namely the gazetting of a Chemical Act, the establishment of a designated Chemical Authority and the development of a Malaysian Chemical Database (MyCD). A set of economic policy instruments is also prescribed in this paper to aid the appropriate authorities in their efforts to materialize a sound chemical management system in Malaysia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Swidden agriculture, commercial logging and plantation development have been considered to be the primary common causes of degradation and loss of tropical rain forests in Southeast Asia. In this paper, I chose a part of northeastern Sarawak, East Malaysia as my case study area to analyze the changes in its land-use characteristics. In the study area, as well as primeval forests, we see that land use began about 100 years ago by a native group called the Iban; commercial logging began in the 1960s, and the development of oil palm plantations began recently. I describe the changes in land use as well as their social and economic causes by referring to aerial photographs, literature surveys, interviews with government officers and the Iban, and observation of land use. My analysis of land use demonstrates that on “state land”, where commercial logging and oil palm plantation development are occurring, large areas of forest have been disturbed in a short period of time. The objective is to benefit economically in response to the social and economic conditions surrounding the study area. On the other hand, in the “Iban territory,” where the Iban practice their land use, land conversion has not occurred on a large scale and in a short period of time, even though the forest has been cut and agricultural fields have been created in response to social and economic conditions as well. They disperse small agricultural fields throughout their forest land. Therefore, the landscape of the “Iban territory” is based on secondary forest, composed of patches of forest in various stages and with several types of agricultural land. Today in Sarawak, monocrop plantations are rapidly expanding and little primeval forest remains. Given these conditions, the land-use practices of natives such as the Iban will be evaluated from the viewpoint of ecosystem and biodiversity conservation. It could play an important role in providing habitats for natural wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental problems and their management, particularly when related to urban ecosystems, are becoming increasingly challenging. The end-of-pipe method which has been practiced in the past, and is manifested in our laws and regulations, has gradually changed towards a more pro-active approach. Industries now recognize that environmental management and pollution control are no longer liabilities, but rather opportunities to increase their competitiveness. The general public is increasingly aware of the fact that they have to pay more for management of the environment that is based on the end-of-pipe approach. International agencies and industries world-wide are responding positively with a new paradigm shift towards proactive environmental management through voluntary initiatives. The most challenging task in Malaysia however, is to convince the small and medium scale enterprises to shift from the old to the new management system. While local government agencies remain the key players in the management of urban ecosystems, they still lack human resources and the capacity to handle new challenges. This paper discusses new initiatives towards achieving sustainable urban ecosystem management. It highlights the tools and approaches that are being used as alternatives to the existing end-of-pipe approaches. These tools include, eco-management, wastes minimization, ISO 14000 standardization, design for environment, eco-labeling, life cycle assessment and industrial ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straits of Malacca and South China Sea are vulnerable to oil pollution because of the huge amount of crude oil transported through these waters annually. The present level of oil pollution in these waters is between 150-300 μ g L - 1 in water and 70–100 mg kg - 1 in sediment. Whenever there is an oil spill in the Straits of Malacca, the level of oil in water could be raised to higher than 500 μ g L - 1 . Crude oil, especially the aromatic hydrocarbon fraction, is highly toxic to marine organisms. The index of oil pollution for marine environments is set at 1000 μ g L - 1 oil in water and 100 mg kg - 1 oil in sediment. The non-effect level of oil on organisms is about 50 μ g L - 1 in the tropical sea. Toxicological studies demonstrated that the present level of oil pollution in seawater has some chronic effects on the growth and hatching rate of marine organisms. Thus, technologies are being actively pursued and developed for reducing the oil contamination in water to lower than 50 μ g L - 1 to protect marine organisms. This paper will review the status of hydrocarbon pollution in the Malaysian seas and the impacts on Malaysian marine environments, as well as the techniques used to combat oil spills, and the management strategies in place to secure environmental safety in Malaysia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, there has been a growing awareness within the global hotel industry of the relevance for environmental protection issues. Hotel corporations are seen to be changing their image by engaging in environmental initiatives. Some hotels even go further to include social responsibility issues in their agenda. Greater awareness on the potential economic and other less direct benefits of environmentally-friendly measures, coupled with the establishment of many "watch dog" and support organizations such as the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) and Green Hotel Association (GHA) has fueled the rise of "green" and/or responsible hotels in many established tourism destinations. Nevertheless, environmental and social measures are not the traditional core competency of a hotel. Thus, "green" and responsible measures may require. additional investment and organizational change. From a business perspective, additional investments are futile if they do not result in higher market share. Simply put, a hotel's "green" and responsible measures are meaningless if met only with consumer apathy. Therefore, to justify the need for hotels to engage in responsibility measures, one of the questions that must be answered is-do the tourists care about hotels' social and environmental responsibility? Unfortunately, there is still little empirical knowledge of tourists' demand for responsible hotels, particularly within the context of a developing country such as Malaysia. This paper attempts to narrow the gap of information by providing a preliminary outlook on the "demand" of tourists for green and socially responsible hotels in Penang Island, Malaysia. Specifically, it looked at the main criteria tourists use when choosing a hotel, their preferences as well as their attitude, interest and opinion relating to a hotel' s green and socially responsible measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Over the past three decades, Malaysia has achieved high economic growth, and the alteration and change of the physical environment in this country has been massive as well. In this crucial situation, sustainability of the environment often depends on the actions of public. Public must remain active participants in the processes of sustainable environment because the involvement of the public is a critical ingredient to curb environmental degradation. The public has the right (and duty) to stop and seek controls over such destructive development, and to ask the planners to modify their development strategies. For this reason, participation and involvement of public in environmental issues has been adopted as the national strategy for management and sustainable development of environmental resources in Malaysia. Objective: To highlight an awareness and understanding of the environmental knowledge amongst Malaysian public and to evaluate participation and involvement of Malaysian public in the environmental issues. Materials and method: Published papers from journals and books on environmental were searched and reviewed. Results: Many Malaysians were not aware of the environmental issues although they may feel vaguely uneasy. Most of the Malaysian public was also unaware of their rights, roles and responsibilities to sustain the environment. Public participation and involvement was also found to be low in environmental issues due to lack of knowledge, understanding and exposure. Discussion and conclusion: The citizen movements in many other countries have played major roles in the establishment of environmental damages. Degradation of the environment starts with people; therefore the solutions must also begin with the people. As an initial step the public must be alerted to the dangers inherent in the destruction of the environment which seems to have become a hallmark of development in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]