Young Leaders for Sustainability by Fung Lan Yong

Youths and biodiversity awareness By Fung Lan Yong Published in ‘Daily Express Sabah’ on August 6, 2017, page 16 Recently, Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin revealed that many Malaysian youths had repeatedly indicated that they wanted to live in sustainable and fair country which could continue to develop without compromising their quality of life.  Malaysia is the world’s 12 th most biodiverse region with its lush rainforests, teeming seas, and multifarious tropical landscapes; however, rapid development had destroyed many of these ecosystems.  Despite stiff environmental laws, its exotic flora and fauna continue to dwindle in its quest for socioeconomic progress as well rapid population growth.  Its disposable culture further exacerbates the precarious situation; barely five percent of its daily 30,000 tons of waste is recycled, while other natural resources, such as water and trees, are indiscriminately used. The Malaysian government has launc...