MEDIA STATEMENT
MASA IN CONJUNCTION WITH WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
5th JUNE 2024
Today, on World Environment Day, we unite under the global theme “Our Land, Our Future”
to spotlight the critical issues of land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.
As we confront the environmental challenges of our time, we recognise that while we cannot
turn back the clock, we possess the power to grow forests, revive water sources and
rejuvenate our soils.
At Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (MASA), we are deeply committed to advancing
environmental sustainability in line with the Malaysian Shared Prosperity Vision 2030
(SPV2030). This vision emphasises the need for a balanced and sustainable economic
development in ensuring that prosperity is shared by all Malaysians.
One of the strategic thrusts of this vision is to safeguard and sustainably manage our natural
resources and environment.
The Malaysian Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 calls for a balance between economic
development and environmental stewardship. As part of our commitment to this vision, we are
dedicated to promoting sustainable land management policies and practices that not only
enhance our natural landscapes but also support the livelihoods of our communities.
From an Islamic perspective, environmental conservation is deeply rooted in the principles of
prevention, preservation and conservation. Islam teaches us the importance of faith, morality
and ethics in our interactions with the environment. The Quran and Hadith emphasise the
need to protect and preserve the earth before destruction occurs, highlighting our duty as
stewards of the planet.
Today, we stand at a pivotal moment. The actions we take now will define the health of our
environment for generations to come.
By embracing sustainable practices and innovative solutions, we can reverse the damage
done to our lands. We are the generation who can make peace with the land. We are
#GenerationRestoration.
MASA is actively engaged in policy initiatives aimed at restoring degraded lands, enhancing
drought resilience and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.
As recent as January this year, a report by MASA that meticulously assessed the multifaceted
impacts of the Penang South Reclamation Project on the economic, social and cultural rights
of the coastal communities, received a mention in the United Nations Human Rights Council’s
(UNHRC) Stakeholder Information Report for Malaysia’s 4th Cycle Universal Periodic Review.
MASA’s report not only captured the essence of the communities’ challenges but also
highlighted their rights within the broader discourse on developmental initiatives. It became
the first think-tank in this country to have submitted such a report.
Under Point 113 of the UNHRC’s report “Development, Environment, Business and Human
Rights”, MASA’s concerns about the impacts of the land reclamation megaproject and the lack
of public consultation in the Penang state government’s decision-making process pertaining
to the project, were highlighted.
Such recognition and incorporation into the UNHRC Stakeholder Information Report signifies
MASA’s pivotal role in influencing policy discussions and advocating for inclusive decisionmaking processes on a global platform.
These efforts are critical to achieving the goals set forth in the SPV2030 and ensuring a
sustainable future for all Malaysians.
On this World Environment Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting and restoring
our environment. Together, we can ensure that “Our Land, Our Future” is one of abundance,
resilience and shared prosperity
AZRIL MOHD AMIN
MASA Chief Executive Officer