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New Straits Times
5 days ago
- General
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Revitalising urban areas
IN a world where science and technology dominate, the old eventually make way for the new. Antiquated vehicles, buildings and infrastructure are rapidly demolished and replaced. Fashion is dictated by youthful trends, and new ideas bring fresh paradigms and ideologies. Tech startups are overhauling the way we work, play, love, eat and trade. The young, armed with more money, power and influence, tear through tradition, devoid of sentimentality. But they are persuaded to compromise: they are allowed to flatten swathes of the past provided they retain some of the ruins. For instance, the Porta de Santiago gate of the 15th century Portuguese fortress of A Famosa in Melaka, lies surrounded by a water theme park, safari, golf course, hotel and shopping mall. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation designated it a World Heritage site. In developing the BBCC Lalaport mall in Kuala Lumpur, the developers maintained the Pudu Jail main gate. Sometimes, developers are denied. In the 1990s, a major developer could have bulldozed Stadium Merdeka, Stadium Negara and Victoria Institution. Fortunately, common sense prevailed: the historical sites went unmolested. Against this backdrop, Kuala Lumpur City Hall was implored to retain historical elements in redeveloping 139 areas to include memories of the original communities that had developed strong cultural roots and identity. Progress cannot be allowed to destroy national heritage. The Urban Renewal Act (URA) has been touted as a pragmatic platform to redevelop dilapidated urban areas and improve quality of life. Let's make one thing clear: rapid development is not a bad idea but capricious development is, especially if it damages historic neighbourhoods, hometowns and cities. Malaysia has to at least stop constructing buildings that are later neglected to the point of deformity. Instead of demolishing, city fathers must create thoughtful urban design, strengthened by political will to overcome long-term short-sightedness. In justifying development, the URA may prove to be a useful and powerful development tool but in its current framework, its deployment is reactionary, created to mend previous decades of myopic development decisions. The Act's impact on property rights, gentrification and displacement of low-income residents cannot be overstated. Solutions are available: the URA's goals, procedures and impact must involve communities during planning and decision-making. The URA should integrate with broader urban planning strategies because its complexities are underscored by strong arguments on both sides. The ideal outcome is not only to redevelop and revitalise urban areas, but also protect residents' rights and well-being with fair compensation and spacious and liveable replacement housing.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- The Hindu
HC orders action under Wildlife Protection Act against people dumping, burning waste at Sabarimala
Taking note of the indiscriminate dumping of garbage at Sabarimala, the Kerala High Court has ordered initiation of action under the Wildlife Protection Act against those responsible for dumping and burning waste at the hill temple during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. This followed the death of two elephants and a deer after consuming plastic waste dumped on the temple premises. Periyar Tiger Reserve officials had submitted a report that elephants were coming in herds to eat garbage, especially empty plasticbags in which jaggery had been stored. Other wild animals too were often seen consuming this waste. Stating that the Sabarimala Sannidhanam was situated in a core and critical area of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot recognised as a world heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the court directed the Deputy Director of the tiger reserve to take action under the provisions of the Act. It is estimated that the average quantity of waste generated at Sabarimala during the Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season is 24 tonnes a day. Many hotels fail to segregate food and plastic waste into biodegradable bags for disposal. The court also directed that the ban on use of plastic and other bio-hazardous materials at Sabarimala and along the trekking path from Pampa to the Sannidhanam ought to be implemented scrupulously by all concerned and appropriate action be taken against those who violated it. For stocking or dispensing plastic in any form by commercial establishments at Sabarimala and surrounding areas, including the trekking path to the Sannidhanam, a fine of ₹2,000 shall be levied by forest officials for the first offence, ₹5,000 for the second offence, and closure of the establishment for subsequent offences. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), through the Executive Officer, Sabarimala, must close down the establishment which committed such an offence for the third time, it said. The court directed the TDB to politely inform pilgrims, including those coming from other States, to exclude plastic materials during the pilgrimage. An advisory to this effect must be published on the virtual-Q platform, for the information of the pilgrims, it added.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Sarawak seeks Unesco recognition for Brooke-era forts
File photo of Fort Margherita in Kuching. – Bernama photo KUCHING (May 23): Sarawak is pursuing recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for its Fort Trails initiative, which showcases the historical and cultural legacy of 23 forts dating back to the Brooke era. The initiative was among the main topics discussed during a recent courtesy visit by Sarawak Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, to Unesco Headquarters in Paris, France. In a statement today, the ministry said Fort Trails represents more than just architectural conservation, as it also embodies the oral traditions and collective memories of Sarawak's multiethnic communities. 'The forts were often built with the support of local communities who contributed belian timber, labour, food, and knowledge of the terrain. Their stories have been passed down through generations,' said Snowdan. Of the 23 historical forts, only 14 remain standing. However, the state regards both the surviving structures and the intangible cultural heritage linked to them as a vital part of Sarawak's identity. Snowdan said the ministry would collaborate with the National Heritage Department, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Malaysia's Permanent Delegation to Unesco to pursue the recognition. He also shared Sarawak's aspirations during a meeting with Secretary of the Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fumiko Ohinata, noting plans to eventually nominate other cultural practices from the state's 34 ethnic communities. In a separate discussion with Unesco World Heritage Centre Deputy Director Jyoti Hosagrahar, Snowdan spoke about the relevance of the Unesco Culture 2030 Indicators to Sarawak's development goals. 'We see the inscription of Niah Caves as a World Heritage Site not only as a celebration of our ancient history but also as a platform to promote sustainable crafts and local livelihoods,' he said. – Bernama Brooke Era Fort Trails lead sarawak Snowdan Unesco
The Star
23-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Sarawak seeking Unesco recognition for Brooke-era forts
Kuching's Fort Margherita, currently the Brooke Gallery, is one of 14 surviving forts from the era. – filepic KUCHING: Sarawak is pursuing recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) for its Fort Trails initiative, which showcases the historical and cultural legacy of 23 forts dating back to the Brooke era. The initiative was among the main topics discussed during a recent courtesy visit by state Deputy Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan to Unesco headquarters in Paris. In a statement Friday (May 23), his ministry said Fort Trails represents more than just architectural conservation, as it also embodies the oral traditions and collective memories of Sarawak's multi-ethnic communities. "The forts were often built with the support of local communities who contributed belian timber, labour, food, and knowledge of the terrain. Their stories have been passed down through generations,' said Snowdan. Of the 23 historical forts, only 14 remain standing. However, the state regards both the surviving structures and the intangible cultural heritage linked to them as a vital part of Sarawak's identity. Snowdan said the ministry would collaborate with the National Heritage Department, the federal Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and Malaysia's Permanent Delegation to Unesco to pursue the recognition. He also shared Sarawak's aspirations during a meeting with Unesco Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage secretary Fumiko Ohinata, noting plans to eventually nominate other cultural practices from the state's 34 ethnic communities. In a separate discussion with Unesco World Heritage Centre deputy director Jyoti Hosagrahar, Snowdan spoke about the relevance of the Unesco Culture 2030 Indicators to Sarawak's development goals. "We see the inscription of Niah Caves as a World Heritage Site not only as a celebration of our ancient history but also as a platform to promote sustainable crafts and local livelihoods,' he said. – Bernama
The Star
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Planetary Health Matters: The time for faith in action is now
WHEN I heard of Pope Francis' death last month I felt a profound sense of loss. The planetary health movement lost an ally – one of the most prominent voices linking morality with climate action. Through his legacy in the encyclicals Laudato Si' and Laudato Deum , Pope Francis made clear that the climate crisis is not just a scientific issue; it is deeply social and moral, in no small part fuelled by greed and short-termism. His unflinching stance against fossil fuel interests and calls for radical political action inspired many in the Catholic Church and beyond. His influence reminds us of the impact faith leaders can have as messengers in their communities, often holding more weight than politicians and scientists. And here we need to ask ourselves a pressing question: Do our faith leaders feel sufficiently empowered to speak out as trusted climate communicators? In Asean, where faith is deeply embedded in culture and identity, the answer must be that more can and must be done. Faith communities can be powerful catalysts for values-based climate action – inspiring collective responsibility and working with their congregations to encourage rapid behaviour change. We must foster alliances between planetary health efforts and the influential moral leadership existing within faith groups. Faith traditions have long held a wisdom that modern economies have missed: that the health of the planet is inseparable from the spiritual health of our souls. Across history, religious teachings have framed environmental stewardship as a moral obligation and sacred duty. In 2024, the Al-Mizan Covenant for the Earth was launched under the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, widely supported by Muslim scholars. Drawing on Quranic principles, stewardship (khalifah), and balance (mizan) underscore our responsibility as humans to maintain the intricate equilibrium of creation. This links to the core Islamic values that condemn waste, greed, and exploitation. In Buddhist thought, harming the environment violates the interconnected web of life as beings are linked through non-harm ( ahimsa ) and mindfulness. Tree ordination ceremonies in Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia where monks symbolically protect trees, reflect this ethos. Similarly, Hindu traditions have long emphasised ecological responsibility through concepts like cosmic duty ( dharma ) and reverence for the five elements that make up the universe ( pancha mahabhutas ), reminding us that environmental stewardship is an ancient spiritual mandate. Malaysia, and Asean more broadly, have a unique opportunity to incorporate diverse spiritual and cultural teachings in climate leadership. Faith leaders can serve as trusted messengers, shifting the conversation from technical policy to the moral heart of the issue, while bridging political, social, and economic divides. They can mobilise communities, foster resilience and shape a narrative of hope and responsibility in an era of deepening despair. Faith communities are already beginning to flex their economic influence. A powerful step by Christian dioceses, religious orders, and associations has been divesting from fossil fuels. At the 2023 climate summit, COP28 in Dubai, and again ahead of 2024's COP29 in Baku, faith groups united around ethical finance. In Islamic finance, green sukuk – shariah-compliant investments in renewable energy – illustrate how faith-aligned financial tools can advance the clean transition. By focusing on the ecological impact of financial decisions, faith leaders can guide individuals to align their investments with environmental values, urging scrutiny of how wealth is deployed, and embedding the principle that protecting creation must inform every economic choice. Closer to home, the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health and Faith for Our Planet is taking a significant step by launching The Sunway Charter: Faith in Action, conceptualised during the 2024 Planetary Health Summit and 6th Annual Meeting. The charter offers practical guidance for faith communities to integrate and operationalise planetary health principles into teachings and outreach. A global webinar at the end of this month will launch the charter, gathering global multifaith leaders to share insights, foster partnerships with health and environmental organisations, and deepen interfaith dialogue. A central feature is a practical, action-oriented toolkit to empower faith leaders to educate their communities, inspire collective action, and counter misinformation with empathy and credibility. Equipping them with the tools to lead this mission is not optional; it is essential for achieving real and lasting change. Research has shown us the scale of the climate crisis, but science alone will not save us. We must also engage hearts, values, and moral imagination. The charter is an invitation to faith communities to step boldly into climate leadership. We urge religious leaders, scholars, and congregations to embrace it, use the toolkit, and weave planetary health into teachings and practices so that care for creation becomes not only an environmental duty, but a sacred moral calling. The time for faith in action is now. To learn more about the charter go to Prof Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood, a physician and experienced crisis leader, is the executive director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health at Sunway University. She is the founder of Mercy Malaysia and has served in leadership roles internationally with the United Nations and Red Cross for the last decade. She writes on Planetary Health Matters once a month in Ecowatch . The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.
