As Malaysia is expected to experience dry weather conditions due to the occurrence of the El-Nino phenomenon this year, the government is expecting the looming threat of peatland fires exacerbated by phenomenon. In response to the threat, Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability (NRES), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has led a series of proactive measures aimed at mitigating the risk of environmental catastrophe, including the initiative of Sustainable Management of Peatland Ecosystems in Malaysia (SMPEM) project.
Under the banner of the Sustainable Management of Peatland Ecosystems in Malaysia (SMPEM) project, a collaborative effort involving various governmental agencies has been launched to safeguard Malaysia’s peatlands and prevent the occurrence of destructive fires. This initiative comes at a critical juncture as Malaysia braces itself for dry weather conditions brought about by the El-Nino weather pattern.
The SMPEM project, initiated in December 2020, focuses on the sustainable management and conservation of peatlands across five landscapes in Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, and Selangor. Central to the project’s objectives is the updating of the National Peatland Action Plan (NAPP), which serves as a comprehensive guide for the implementation of sustainable peatland management practices.
Notable achievements stemming from the SMPEM project and other initiatives under the 12th Malaysia Plan include a significant reduction in peat swamp forest fire incidents. In Peninsular Malaysia alone, the area affected by peat swamp forest fires plummeted from 385.2 hectares in 2020 to a mere 25.2 hectares in 2023, showcasing the tangible impact of proactive conservation efforts.
Collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Fire and Rescue Department, State Forestry Departments, and local communities, has been instrumental in executing prevention activities such as training programs, equipment procurement, and awareness campaigns. These efforts underscore Malaysia’s commitment to preserving its invaluable peatland ecosystems for the well-being of current and future generations.
In a statement issued by NRES Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, he emphasised the importance of collective cooperation in strengthening the conservation and preservation of Malaysia’s peatlands. Urging all parties to join forces in this endeavor, Minister Nik Ahmad reaffirmed Malaysia’s dedication to environmental sustainability and resilience in the face of emerging challenges.
