Abim-Peka's petition for logging moratorium garners 200k backers

 

A petition calling for a moratorium on logging activities initiated by Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim) and Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka) has garnered over 200,000 supporters.

The petition was initiated following flash floods devastating parts of the country in recent weeks. In Pahang, floodwaters carried with them a large number of logs, putting a spotlight on deforestation.

Abim and Peka, in the petition, said the worsening floods highlighted increasing climate change concerns, which require action from all quarters.

"Climate change is causing the weather to become unpredictable... The situation is causing uncertainty with regard to when it rains and the volume of rainwater.

"The infrastructure to manage floodwaters cannot function properly, leading to major floods," it said.

The NGOs said a countermeasure is to rely on our forests, but they are being felled by uncontrolled deforestation.

"Therefore, Abim reiterates its call for the government to issue a moratorium on logging activities for the time being... the world, including Malaysia, is facing a climate emergency," it said.

It added that political will is required for such a moratorium, adding that it was not alien as the government previously imposed a moratorium on bauxite mining after arbitrary mining tainted the environment with red dust.

At the time of writing, the petition has garnered over 202,000 signatories. - Mkini