MALAYSIA NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY POLICY

1998
VISION
TO TRANSFORM MALAYSIA INTO A WORLD CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN
CONSERVATION, RESEARCH AND UTILISATION OF TROPICAL BIOLOGICAL
DIVERSITY BY THE YEAR 2020.
POLICY STATEMENT
TO CONSERVE MALAYSIA'S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND TO ENSURE THAT
ITS COMPONENTS ARE UTILISED IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER FOR THE
CONTINUED PROGRESS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE
NATION.
PRINCIPLES
Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the nations biological diversity will be based on the
following principles:
(i)

The conservation ethic, including the inherent right to existence of all living forms, is
deeply rooted in the religious and cultural values of all Malaysians;

(ii)

Biological diversity is a national heritage and it must be sustainably managed and

wisely utilized today and conserved for future generations;

(iii)

Biological resources are natural capital and their conservation is an investment that will
yield benefits locally, nationally and globally for the present and future;

(iv)

The benefits from sustainable management of biological diversity will accrue, directly
or indirectly, to every sector of society;

(v)

The sustainable management of biological diversity is the responsibility of all sectors of

society;

(vi)

It is the duty of Government to formulate and implement the policy framework for
sustainable management and utilisation of biological diversity in close cooperation with
scientists, the business community and the public;

(vii)

The role of local communities in the conservation, management and utilisation of

biological diversity must be recognized and their rightful share of benefits should be
ensured;

(viii)

Issues in biological diversity transcend national boundaries and Malaysia must continue
to exercise a proactive and constructive role in international activities;
1

(ix)

The interdependence of nations on biological diversity and in the utilisation of its

components for the well-being of mankind is recognized. International cooperation and
collaboration is vital for fair and equitable sharing of biological resources, as well as
access to and transfer of relevant technology;

(x)

Public awareness and education is essential for ensuring the conservation of biological
diversity and the sustainable utilisation of its components;

(xi)

In the utilisation of biological diversity, including the development of biotechnology,

the principles and practice of biosafety should be adhered to.

OBJECTIVES
(i)

To optimise economic benefits from sustainable utilisation of the components of

biological diversity;

(ii)

To ensure long-term food security for the nation;

(iii)

To maintain and improve environmental stability for proper functioning of ecological

systems;

(iv)

To ensure preservation of the unique biological heritage of the nation for the benefit of
present and future generations;

(v)

To enhance scientific and technological knowledge, and educational, social, cultural

and aesthetic values of biological diversity;

(vi)

To emphasize biosafety considerations in the development and application of

biotechnology;

RATIONALE
Biological diversity is usually considered at three levels: genetic diversity, species diversity and
ecosystem diversity.
(i)

Genetic diversity is the diversity within species, as measured by the variation

within genes of individual plants, animals and microorganisms. Genetic
diversity occurs within and between populations of a species

(ii)

Species diversity refers to the variety of living organisms on earth

(iii)

Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of habitats, biotic communities and

ecological processes in the terrestrial, marine and other aquatic environments.

2.
Much of the nation's biological diversity has yet to be investigated and documented.
Lack of data impedes efforts to better utilise the nations biological resources. Continuing
habitat destruction is leading to loss of the nation's biological diversity even before much of it
2

could be documented. Loss of biological diversity would include loss of species with the
potential to be developed into useful products.
3.
This biological diversity has important economic, technological and social implications
for the nation. Of particular significance are :
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)

Economic Benefits
Food Security
Environmental Stability
National Biological Heritage
Scientific, Educational and Recreational Values
Biosafety

Economic Benefits
4.
The diversity of biological resources provides direct economic benefits. This biological
diversity provides timber and non-timber goods in the forestry sector, food and industrial
crops in the agricultural sector, and food in the fisheries sector.
5.
Agriculture, forestry and fisheries have been major contributors to national wealth
creation. They contributed 13.6 percent of the national gross domestic product in 1995, and
accounted for nearly 16 percent of total employment and 12.1 percent of total export earnings.
Export of major timber products totalled RM 9.9 billion in 1995. Export earnings from three
major agricultural commodities alone - rubber, palm oil and cocoa - totalled RM 14.0 billion in
1995. The contribution from the fisheries sector to the gross national product was RM 2.0
billion in 1995. The tourism industry relies on the country's diverse and unspoilt natural
beauty, including unique species of plants and animals in national parks, wildlife reserves, bird
parks and in marine parks and the adjacent coral reefs. In 1994, tourism contributed RM 8.3
billion to the national economy.
6.
Even with the important structural transformations occurring with industrialisation,
these economic sectors will remain important. Agricultural activities will not only continue to
earn foreign exchange from commodity exports, but will also form the base for expanded and
value-added activities throughout Malaysian industry. The narrow genetic base of the
industrial crops requires introduction of exotic genetic variability for future crop improvement.
7.
The diversity of our indigenous fruit species has not been fully exploited. Crops such
as durian and banana are good export earners. However, others such as citrus, rambutan,
duku, langsat, mangosteen and cempedak have not been fully exploited for the export market.
8.
Certain indigenous plants, animals and their derivatives have long been used in
traditional medicine in Malaysia. For example, roots of "tongkat ali" (Eurycoma longifolia)
contain biologically active compounds having the potential to be developed as antimalarial
drug. Many plants, not presently used in traditional medicine, also contain biologically active
compounds that are likely to be the starting materials for a large number of drugs. The crude
extract of the bark of "bintangor" (Calophyllum lanigerum) contains the active component
against the HIV virus. There is therefore, a need for the nation, endowed with rich biological
diversity and steeped in a traditional healing culture, to develop the economic potential of the
medicinally useful plants. Nearly one quarter of medicine prescribed in the United States of
America are of plant origin, for example, and the market for plant-derived pharmaceuticals is
estimated at US$9 billion per year in the United States alone. In the OECD (Organisation for
3

Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, the total retail value of plant-based drugs
was US$43 billion in 1986.
9.
Biotechnology is a multi-billion ringgit industry worldwide, and has been identified by
the Government as an area of high priority. Advances in this field could lead to crop and
livestock improvement through genetic engineering. They could also result in the development
of products such as pharmaceuticals, antibiotics and vaccines from the components of
biological diversity.
10.
Floriculture is a multi-million ringgit industry. Presently, it involves mainly exotic
flowers and local orchids. There is great potential for promoting indigenous flowers from our
forests. The world market for cut flowers and potted plants is worth billions of US dollars and
the annual growth rate is about 10%. With the right strategy, Malaysia could capture a large
slice of this market.
Food Security
11.
Food is a basic necessity. For the nation to progress and develop, it must ensure the
availability of food. This is a major objective of the National Agricultural Policy.
12.
Plants and animals including fish, are the pre-eminent source of food. Malaysia is
particularly rich in biological diversity. It is thought to harbour some 185,000 species of fauna
and about 12,500 species of flowering plants. Only a handful of species have been utilised for
food production at the global level, but Malaysia harbours many potential species which could
be developed into food sources in the future.
13.
Humans derive almost 60% of their calories and proteins from three species of plants,
viz. maize, wheat and rice. During the period 1986-88, 2665 calories per capita per day was
available to Malaysians and cereals supplied 45.9 percent of this amount. Cereals also supplied
42.7 percent of the available protein supply of 24.6 gm per capita per day during the said
period.
14.
Rice is an important staple food for Malaysians, and a number of wild species and
landraces of rice are found in the country. Protection of such biological diversity is critical for
the breeding of improved varieties with higher yield and/or resistance to pests and diseases.
15.
A variety of beneficial organisms and their habitats are important for ensuring the
protection and productivity of our crops. Bats and weevils are important pollinators of durian
and petai, and oil palm respectively. In biological control of pests, owls and snakes control rat
populations in rice fields and oil palm plantations. Strict control over the introduction of pests
and diseases from abroad is also necessary to ensure the protection and productivity of our
crops.
16.
Mangrove swamps are feeding and nursery grounds for fisheries, and are the habitats
of several of our important commercial fishes and shrimps that are important sources of
protein for the nation. This habitat requires protection for ensuring food security.
Environmental Stability
17.
Biological diversity includes one or a combination of species and richness; species
interactions; interactions between organisms and the non-living components of the
4

environment; behaviour; life-history and physiological diversity; physical diversity of a habitat,

made up of the diverse shapes and movements of different organisms; the sum of all the
biological diversity of all the different habitats or ecosystems in an area. It is in maintaining
this complexity in ecosystems that there is environmental stability and consequently ecological
services of value to human society assured.
18.
Ecological services, functions beneficial to humanity derived from ecosystems, include
improvement of air and water quality, maintenance of hydrological regimes, soil generation,
soil and watershed protection, recycling of nutrients, energy supply, carbon sequestration and
oxygen release. The variety of biological organisms in ecosystems helps to stabilise the
environment, thus maintaining ecological services and providing human societies with a wide
range of essential and basic amenities such as habitable environments, materials, water supply
and productive soils in a sustainable manner, and aesthetic and recreational opportunities.
19.
A natural asset of Malaysia is, therefore, its wealth in biological diversity. Reduction in
this biological diversity will upset the balance within ecosystems as it is generally accepted that
a certain amount of species and genetic diversity is needed to uphold the cyclical relations
within the ecosystems and hence maintain ecological services. Losing diversity means losing
the ecosystem resilience, leading to adverse effects on human lives. Loss of genetic resources,
floods, deterioration in quantity and quality of water supply, decline in food supply, loss in
productive soils, and loss in potentially useful biological resources are some of the detrimental
effects of the reduction in or loss of biological diversity.
20.
There has probably been a general reduction in genetic diversity of flora and fauna in
Malaysia, as a result of intensification of forest conversion to cash-crop agriculture beginning
in the early 1970s. This is best illustrated by the reduced population levels of fauna. The
Sumatran rhinoceros, which occurs in small numbers at several locations in the peninsula, has
a viable breeding population only in Taman Negara and the Endau-Rompin forests. The Javan
rhinoceros became extinct in the peninsula in 1932 due to poaching. The tiger population in
the peninsula has dwindled to about 500 from about 3,500 in the early 1950s. The "seladang"
(gaur) population is down to about 500 individuals scattered across several reserves. About
1,200 elephants remained in 1992, scattered over several states.
National Biological Heritage
21.
Malaysia is one of the twelve "megadiversity" countries of the world. These countries
together contain at least 60 percent of the world's known species. The island of Borneo
containing the states of Sabah and Sarawak has been listed as one key area for endemism.
Flora
22.
The flora of Malaysia is exceedingly rich and is conservatively estimated to contain
about 12,500 species of flowering plants, and more than 1,100 species of ferns and fern allies.
Many of these are unique and are found nowhere else in the world. In Peninsular Malaysia, for
example, well over 26% of the tree species are endemic. Higher endemism is expected in the
herbaceous flora with some of the larger genera estimated to be endemic in more than 80% of
their species. Many endemic plants are localised in their distribution, being found only in a few
valleys or mountain tops.
23.
Much remains to be known of the flora of the country, especially of lower plants such
as the bryophytes, algae, lichens and fungi. The fungi constitute the major plant diversity of
5

the country but the total number of species is not known.

24.
The terrestrial flora, as well as fauna, are found in a range of habitats and ecosystems
from the lowlands to the top of the highest mountains, and in a wide range of forest types.
These forest types form the cradle of the country's biological diversity. The lowland
dipterocarp forest is extremely rich in species diversity. For example, 814 species of woody
plants of 1 cm diameter and larger were found in a 50 hectare area in such a forest type. Now
not much remains of this forest type due mainly to agricultural expansion.
25.
Endemism in plant species is high in freshwater habitats. In Peninsular Malaysia, for
example, 80 species in freshwater swamps and 27 species in river systems are known to be
endemic. Another 70 and 41 species respectively are known to be rare.
26.
The marine ecosystem surrounding the country's landmass, which includes the coral
reefs, is extremely rich in the variety of life-forms. The coral reef community in Malaysia is
considered to be one of the most diverse in the world. But the marine flora and fauna have
been poorly documented. The flora include phytoplankton, seaweeds and sea grasses.
Fauna
27.
There is an even greater diversity of fauna in the country. In the vertebrates, there are
about 300 species of wild mammals, 700-750 species of birds, 350 species of reptiles, 165
species of amphibians and more than 300 species of freshwater fish. Endemism in the states of
Sabah and Sarawak is higher than in Peninsular Malaysia. While there are about 1,200 species
of butterflies and 12,000 species of moths in Malaysia, little is known of other groups. A
conservative estimate is that there are more than 100,000 species of invertebrates.
28.
Freshwater habitats such as the lowland slow-flowing streams and upland rivers with
water torrents support a diverse aquatic invertebrate fauna and a variety of fish. Marine fauna
include fish, cuttlefish, squids, sea urchins, giant clams, sea cucumbers, copepods, segestid
shrimps, arrow worms and many other large and small organisms.
Microorganisms
29.

This group is very poorly known. This lack of information is a global phenomenon.

Genetic resources
30.
Malaysia is rich in plant genetic resources. As an example, fruit resources are very
diverse in the country. There are 28 species of durian (Durio) and its relatives in Malaysia. All
with the exception of D. zibethinus are wild. The mangoes are equally rich, with 22 species,
and only three or four of these are being utilised. There are 49 species of mangosteen and its
wild relatives in Peninsular Malaysia but only Garcinia mangostana is popularly eaten. Other
examples of large genera with edible fruits include Artocarpus (cempedak) and Nephelium
(rambutan).
31.
Available information on animal genetic resources relate to livestock or farm animals.
Malaysian jungle fowls, wild pigs, swamp buffaloes, Kedah-Kelantan cattle and local goats are
considered true indigenous animals of Malaysia. Non-indigenous animals are mainly breeding
chickens, pigs, cattle and goats which have been imported into this country from all over the
world. Importation of these animals has enriched the gene pool of the different species
6

considerably.
The Cultural Heritage
32.
The rich biological resources have given rise to a rich cultural heritage of sustainable
use amongst the indigenous people of Malaysia, especially those dependent on the forest for
their livelihood. The elements of the rich cultural heritage, which relate to nature, are reflected
in handicrafts, the belief and religious system and the use of plants and animals of the forest.
The indigenous people of Sarawak, for example, have for generations used the sago of a palm
(Eugeissona utilis) found in the forest.
Scientific, Educational and Recreational Values
33.
Much of our biological diversity has yet to be scientifically investigated. There is a
need to enhance efforts in research and development. Our scientific base needs to be
developed and strengthened so that opportunities in fields such as genetics, biotechnology,
pharmaceuticals, agriculture and fisheries could be fully explored.
34.
Malaysia's biological diversity will continue to provide the resources for training and
education for an increasing number of Malaysians. This will be at all levels, from school
education to university, and in industrial training and in public awareness.
35.
Biological diversity is protected in national and state parks, wildlife sanctuaries and
other conservation areas. These protected areas also provide recreational and ecotourism
opportunities.
Biosafety
36.
The creation, transportation, handling and release of genetically modified organisms
(GMOs) carry certain environmental, safety and health risks that are still inadequately
understood. For instance, the introduction of GMOs could have adverse effects on ecological
stability in forests and farms, in unintended or unpredictable ways, if the process is not
properly controlled. Genetically modified plants may interbreed with wild relatives and their
progeny could become pests. The release of GMOs may have adverse natural feedback as our
knowledge of their population dynamics is limited. Biosafety concerns should thus receive
high priority. In the development of biotechnology, especially genetic engineering, there must
be corresponding development of an adequate regulatory framework for biosafety.

STATUS OF
DIVERSITY

CONSERVATION

AND

MANAGEMENT

OF

BIOLOGICAL

Overview
Malaysia's location in the humid tropics provides a favourable climate to support rich and
diverse life forms, from the microscopic organisms such as bacteria and plankton to
macroscopic species such as fishes, birds and mammals.
2.

Within the terrestrial ecosystems, forests are the major repository of biological
7

diversity. Over 90 percent of terrestrial biological species in Malaysia occur within natural
forests. In comparison, agricultural land, which supports a number of flora and fauna with
commercial values, is characterised by low species diversity.
3.
Aquatic ecosystems include both freshwater and marine environments. Coral reefs and
coastal mangroves have been identified as very important in terms of biological diversity.
These are habitats which support diverse forms of life and are very productive.
4.
Over the period 1970 to 1992, natural forest in the whole of Malaysia was reduced by
19.3 percent, mainly in conversion to the agricultural crops, oil palm and rubber. The forests
cleared, with irreversible loss of biological diversity, were predominantly lowland dipterocarp
forests and, to a lesser extent, swamp forests, both peat and freshwater, and mangrove forests.
Very little of the lowland dipterocarp forests, the largest reservoir of genetic variation of
terrestrial flora and fauna, remain and these require total protection, as do the remaining
swamp and mangrove forests. Loss of these habitats still continues as most development plans
relegate the notion of conservation to low priority status.
5.
The genetic base of our important agricultural crops is narrow. Malaysia relies on
exotic germplasm, especially of rubber, oil palm, cocoa and pepper, for crop improvement.
Further narrowing of the genetic base would lead to stagnation in the development of these
commodity crops as well as require increased vigilance against pests and diseases.
In-situ Conservation
6.
To protect and conserve the diversity of biological species in Malaysia, a number of
in-situ measures have been instituted. These, to maintain plants and animals in their original
habitats, have to take into consideration as many representative natural ecological habitats as
possible to sustain breeding populations of flora and fauna.
7.
The network of protected areas on land, as of 1992, includes 2.14 million hectares of
National and State Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Turtle Sanctuaries and Wildlife Reserves.
Another 3.15 million hectares of natural forest within the Permanent Forest Estate of 14.05
million hectares are protected as water catchment areas. The network of Virgin Jungle
Reserves in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah protects a limited range of biological diversity in
small forested areas as gene pools within larger (usually commercial) forest reserves or
agricultural areas.
8.
By the end of 1994, the surrounding marine waters of 38 offshore islands in Peninsular
Malaysia and Labuan had been gazetted as marine parks. In addition, one national park in
Sarawak, three in Sabah and one state park in Terengganu protect coastal and marine
ecosystems.
9.

These conservation efforts are inadequate for a number of reasons:

(i)

Several important habitats are under-represented. For example, wetlands such

as mangrove forests, peat swamps and freshwater swamps are not adequately
protected. Apart from being important as resting places for migratory birds, in
regulating the hydrological regime, and in supporting fisheries, these habitats
also support some unique flora and fauna because of their distinctive
characteristics at the interface of terrestrial and aquatic systems. Limestone and
quartz hills are other examples of unprotected habitats.
8

(ii)

Conservation efforts of individual species are targeted towards large animals,

and to some extent birds. There is little emphasis on the conservation of
individual species of plants, insects or fish (marine and freshwater). This is due
mainly to the lack of adequate knowledge.

(iii)

Conservation is given low priority in existing land-use policies resulting in

competition for land utilisation.

(iv)

The establishment of marine parks in Peninsular Malaysia focuses on aquatic

considerations. Additional attention must be accorded to the adjoining
terrestrial components as these too, if unduly disturbed, will have negative
impacts on the marine ecosystem.

(v)

Common marine and terrestrial biological resources (e.g. in transboundary

areas) lack adequate regional and international cooperation in their
conservation and management.

(vi)

Efforts at conservation of landraces of indigenous plant species such as fruits

and rice are inadequate, and these landraces are being eroded at a rapid rate.

Ex-situ Conservation
10.
Ex-situ conservation maintains species outside their original habitats in facilities such
as arboreta, zoological gardens, seed genebanks, in vitro genebanks and field genebanks. Seed
genebanks are considered safe and cost
effective for seed-producing crop species. Field and in vitro genebanks are particularly useful
for species with seeds that are difficult to store.
11.
Ex-situ conservation makes it easier for scientists to access, study, distribute and use
plant genetic resources.
BOX 1 : EXAMPLES OF EX-SITU CONSERVATION IN MALAYSIA
ARBORETA

SEED GENEBANKS
FIELD GENEBANKS

IN VITRO GENEBANKS
CAPTIVE BREEDING CENTRES
9

medicinal plants
fruit trees
timber species
ornamentals
rice
vegetables
rubber
oil palm
cocoa
fruit trees
coconut
orchid
sweet potato
cassava
timber species
Sumatran rhinoceros

REHABILITATION CENTRES
TURTLE SANCTUARIES
TURTLE HATCHERIES

seladang
sambar deer
orang-utan
marine turtle
river terrapin
marine turtle

12.
Currently, ex-situ conservation of plants, including timber species, is solely in
arboreta and small collection centres. Animals are being maintained in zoos, rehabilitation
centres and captive breeding centres. Collections of specific microorganisms are deposited in
universities and research institutions.
BOX 2 :
EXAMPLES
OF EX-SITU
COLLECTI
ON
CENTRES
IN
MALAYSIA
Johor
Malacca
Penang
Perak
Sabah

Sarawak
Selangor

Federal
Territory
Terengganu

10

Research Station, Palm Oil Research Institute Malaysia, Kluang

Zoo, Air Keroh
Botanic Gardens
Rice Genebank, Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development
Institute, Seberang Perai
Terrapin Hatchery, Bota Kanan
Agriculture Research Station, Ulu Dusun
Arboretum, Forest Research Centre, Sepilok
Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Sepilok
Orchid Centre and Agriculture Research Station, Tenom
Sabah Parks Orchid Garden, Poring
Botanical Research Centre, Semengoh
Sungai Sebiew Agricultural Park, Bintulu
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Semengoh
Arboreta, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, Kepong
Bukit Cahaya Agricultural Park, Shah Alam
Captive Breeding Station, Sungai Dusun
Experimental Station, Rubber Research Institute Malaysia, Sungai Buloh
Medicinal Plant Garden, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia, Serdang
Orchid Collection, Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development
Institute, Serdang
Taman Pantun, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi
Zoo Negara, Ulu Kelang
Rimba Ilmu, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur
Turtle Sanctuary, Rantau Abang

13.
Whilst there are a number of ex-situ plant collection centres distributed
around the country, there is an urgent need for a national botanical garden.
Sectoral Policies
14.
Development activities in the various economic sectors have profound
impacts on biological diversity. To minimize such adverse impacts and to promote the
conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable development of its components, it is
essential that such considerations are incorporated into development plans at the planning
stage itself. Biological diversity considerations be addressed as an important component in
policy documents to ensure effective coordination and integration. The development plans
concerned are the Five-year Development Plans and the Second Outline Perspective Plan
(1991-2000) which embodies the New Development Policy.
The Legislative Framework
15.
There is no single comprehensive legislation in Malaysia which relates to
biological diversity conservation and management as a whole. Much of the legislation is
sector-based, for instance, the Fisheries Act 1985 deals mainly with the conservation and
management of fisheries resources, the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 deals with the
protection of wildlife, and the National Forestry Act 1984 deals with the management and
utilization of forests alone. Some were legislated without specific consideration given to the
issue of conservation and management of biological diversity as a whole. The legislation is
also inadequate in that species endangered due to habitat destruction are not protected by way
of a national law for endangered species.
16.
The most distinct feature of the legislative framework relating to biological
diversity is that under the Federal Constitution, the authority to legislate for matters relevant
to biological diversity does not fall under one single authority. Although some responsibilities
in respect of issues related to biological diversity conservation and management are shared
between the Federal and State authorities, some others do fall under the responsibility of one
authority alone, be it the Federal or State authority. This is specified by the Federal
Constitution, under the Federal, Concurrent and State List of the Ninth Schedule. Thus there
are some matters, for example, protection of wild animals and wild birds, and National Parks,
which fall under the legislative authority of both the Federal and State Governments, in
accordance with the Concurrent List of the Ninth Schedule. However, there are also some
matters which fall under the legislative authority of the State alone, for example forest and
agriculture. Furthermore, in respect of Sabah and Sarawak, the Concurrent and State Lists are
modified.
17.
To the extent that some laws are federal legislation and some are state
enactments, in sum this means that not all legislation enacted will apply to the whole of
Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Since this is the constitutional position, the question
of how uniformity of laws may be promoted, particularly in respect of matters which fall under
State jurisdiction alone, needs to be properly addressed.
18.
As an example, among the legislation relevant to biological diversity, the
Environmental Quality Act 1974 and the Fisheries Act 1985, being federal legislation, may
apply to Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak as well. However, there are other relevant
enactments which are specific either to Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or Sarawak, covering for
example, native peoples' rights, forestry, protected areas and wildlife.
11

19.
From the viewpoint of effective conservation and management of biological
diversity and in light of the above, it appears that the current legislative framework creates
some restrictions, thereby causing some deficiencies.
20.
Firstly, there is an absence of an integrative approach across the sectors, due
to the limited scope of various enactments in relation to biological diversity conservation.
There is also lack of consideration of the overall objectives of biological diversity
conservation. Secondly, this results in a lack of comprehensive coverage of biological diversity
issues. Finally, the areas of jurisdiction of Federal and State Governments as defined in the
Constitution lead to non-uniform implementation between states.

BOX 3 :
PARTIAL LIST
OF
LEGISLATION
RELEVANT TO
BIOLOGICAL
DIVERSITY
Federal

Peninsular
Malaysia

Sabah
Sarawak

12

Environmental Quality Act 1974

Fisheries Act 1985
Pesticides Act 1974
Plant Quarantine Act 1976
Customs (Prohibition of Exports)(Amendment) (No.4) Order 1993
Waters Act 1920
Taman Negara (Kelantan) Enactment 1938
Taman Negara (Pahang) Enactment 1939
Taman Negara (Terengganu) Enactment 1939
(The State Parks from the above three
Enactments constitute Taman Negara)
Aboriginal Peoples Act 1954
Land Conservation Act 1960
National Land Code 1965
Protection of Wildlife Act 1972
National Parks Act 1980
National Forestry Act 1984
Parks Enactment 1984
Forest Enactment 1968
Fauna Conservation Ordinance 1963
National Parks Ordinance 1956
Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1958
Forests Ordinance 1954
Natural Resources Ordinance 1949 as amended by Natural Resources
and Environment (Amendment) Ordinance 1993
Public Parks and Greens Ordinance 1993

Water Ordinance 1994

International Cooperation and Linkages

21.
The Langkawi Declaration on the Environment and Development of 1989 by
the Heads of Government of Commonwealth countries marked a significant step in the
evolution of Malaysia's prominent role in environmental issues in international fora. This role
was further strengthened in the negotiations leading to the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development (UNCED) in June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Our
international role must be complemented with decisive action at the national level.
22.
Having ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity on 24th June 1994,
Malaysia must incorporate into the national policy the set of commitments under the treaty.
The Convention reaffirms the sovereign rights of States over their biological resources and
their responsibility for conserving their biological diversity and utilizing the biological
resources in a sustainable manner. To achieve the above, they must develop national
strategies, plans or programmes. As far as possible and where appropriate, these must be
integrated into sectoral or cross-sectoral plans, programmes and policies.
23.
Further, the parties to the Convention must, in accordance with their
capabilities, provide financial support and incentives to their national activities to achieve the
objectives of the Convention. They must present to the Conference of Parties reports on
measures taken for the implementation of the provisions of the Convention and their
effectiveness in meeting the objectives.
24.
In addition to the Convention on Biological Diversity, Chapters 15 and 16 of
Agenda 21 are devoted to biological diversity and biotechnology respectively, and they also
outline the responsibilities of nations.
25.
Malaysia is also a Party to the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1978 and is a member of the
World Conservation Union (IUCN). CITES carries with it certain obligations with regard to
control of trade of flora and fauna between countries.
26.
Malaysia ratified the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change on 13th July 1994 and acceed to the Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (RAMSAR Convention) on 10th November
1994.
27.
Malaysia is an active participant of the International Board for Plant Genetic
Resources Regional Committee for South-East Asia (IBPGR/RECSEA). Through the
IBPGR/RECSEA, Malaysia has participated in a highly successful cooperative programme in
plant genetic resources with Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Thailand. National
research institutions like the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
(MARDI), Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM) and the Palm Oil Research Institute
of Malaysia (PORIM) have participated in this programme. The IBPGR is now known as the
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI).
28.

Malaysia became a member of the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources

13

for Food and Agriculture in 1993.

STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Effective management of biological diversity to achieve the objectives of the National Policy
on Biological Diversity will be guided by the following fifteen strategies:
1.

Improve the Scientific Knowledge Base

Survey and document the biological diversity in Malaysia, and undertake
studies to assess its direct and indirect values, and identify the potential
threats to biological diversity loss, and how they may be countered.

2.

Enhance Sustainable Utilisation of the Components Of Biological

Diversity
Identify and encourage the optimum use of the components of biological
diversity, ensuring fair distribution of benefits to the nation and to local
communities.

3.

Develop A Centre Of Excellence In Industrial Research In Tropical

Biological Diversity
Establish Malaysia as a centre of excellence in industrial research in tropical
biological diversity.

4.

Strengthen The Institutional Framework For Biological Diversity

Management
Establish and reinforce the mechanisms for planning, administration and
management of biological diversity.

5.

Strengthen And Integrate Conservation Programmes

Increase efforts to strengthen and integrate conservation programmes.

6.

Integrate Biological
Planning Strategies

Diversity

Considerations

Into

Sectoral

Ensure that all major sectoral planning and development activities incorporate
considerations of biological diversity management.
7.

Enhance Skill, Capabilities And Competence

Produce a pool of trained, informed and committed manpower in the field of
biological diversity.

8.

Encourage Private Sector Participation

14

Promote private sector participation in biological diversity conservation,

exploration and sustainable utilisation.
9.

Review Legislation To Reflect Biological Diversity Needs

Review and update existing legislation to reflect biological diversity needs and
introduce new legislation where appropriate.

10.

Minimise Impacts Of Human Activities On Biological Diversity

Take mitigating measures to reduce the adverse effects of human activities on
biological diversity.

11.

Develop Policies, Regulations, Laws And Capacity Building On

Biosafety
Introduce measures for the incorporation of biosafety principles and concerns,
especially in relation to genetic engineering, and the importation,
creation and release of genetically modified organisms.

12.

Enhance Institutional And Public Awareness

Promote and encourage the understanding and participation of the public and
institutions for the effective conservation and protection of biological
diversity.

13.

Promote International Cooperation And Collaboration

Promote international cooperation and collaboration in order to enhance
national efforts in biological diversity conservation and management.

14.

Exchange Of Information
Promote and encourage the exchange of information on biological diversity at
local and international levels.

15.

Establish Funding Mechanisms

Identify and establish appropriate funding mechanisms for biological diversity
conservation and management.

Strategy 1: IMPROVE THE SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE BASE

Action Plan:
1.

Undertake and intensify biological resource inventories and systematic studies

to document species diversity.

15

2.

Strengthen existing herbaria, and establish natural history museums to support

documentation of species diversity.

3.

Initiate long-term studies on demographic, genetic and environmental

variation of indigenous as well as exotic species.

4.

Intensify research on the functional aspects of ecosystems and ecological

processes therein.

5.

Undertake a thorough study to formulate appropriate terms, conditions and

safeguards for the identification and extraction of genetic materials and other
biological resources.

6.

Develop a database of biological diversity and an effective information

dissemination system.

7.

Establish an inventory of traditional knowledge on the use of species and

genetic diversity.

8.

Evaluate the economic contributions of biological diversity to the value of

goods and services in the national economy.

9.

Monitor the status of the components of biological diversity.

10.

Survey and document exotic species and populations which threaten

biological diversity.

11.

Undertake research to develop methodologies and techniques for recovery

and rehabilitation of degraded land, inter alia, through reintroduction of
appropriate species.

Strategy 2: ENHANCE SUSTAINABLE UTILISATION OF THE COMPONENTS OF

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Action Plan:
1.

Undertake appropriate activities in biological diversity prospecting, via new

crops, pharmaceuticals and other biological products.

2.

Develop natural resource accounting methods that promote conservation and

sustainable use of biological diversity.

3.

Ensure the development of sectoral and cross-sectoral policies, plans and

programmes which integrate considerations of biological diversity
conservation and sustainable use.

4.

Ensure sectors performing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) accord

due priority to biological diversity.

5.

Undertake research and monitoring of the impacts of resource utilisation on

16

biological diversity.
6.

Provide incentives to encourage conservation of biological diversity and

sustainable use of its components.

7.

Ensure efficient dissemination of relevant information, together with

appropriate extension services, to assist various sectors to conserve and
sustainably use biological resources.

8.

Facilitate participation of local communities in traditional sustainable use of

biological resources.

9.

Ensure fair distribution to the nation and local communities of benefits arising
from the use of biological resources.

Strategy 3:
DEVELOP A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN INDUSTRIAL
RESEARCH IN TROPICAL BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
Action Plan:
1.

Establish a mechanism to harness and develop components of biological

diversity into useful products.

2.

Harness biological diversity by:

3.

(a)

attracting highly competent scientists to develop high technology in

the field of biological diversity;

(b)

utilising high technology, including biotechnology, to develop

pharmaceuticals and other industrial products;

(c)

training of local scientists and technical personnel in high technology

in the utilisation of biological diversity.

Develop the necessary expertise so that such a mechanism facilitates industrial

research and development in biological diversity in the tropics.

Strategy 4: STRENGTHEN THE INSTITUTIONAL

BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT

FRAMEWORK

FOR

Action Plan:
1.

Set up a high level policy formulation, coordination and advisory body with
effective representation from all relevant Federal ministries and agencies and
State governments. To assist this committee, a secretariat should be created
at the relevant ministry.

2.

Establish a national centre for biological diversity with the task of

coordination of programmes, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, priority
17

setting and information management. In the interim period, a technical

working committee should be established to initiate and undertake this task.
This committee could set up task forces to address relevant issues on
biological diversity if and when necessary.
3.

The participation of the private sector and non-governmental organisations

(NGOs) should be included where appropriate.

4.

Identify, reinforce or establish biological diversity programmes and facilities

in existing institutions.

5.

Establish or strengthen resource management units at state and local

government levels and promote implementation mechanisms between federal,
state and local governments.

Strategy 5: STRENGTHEN AND INTEGRATE CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES

Action Plan:
1.

Expand the network of in-situ conservation areas to ensure full representation

of ecosystems and all ecological processes therein.

2.

Strengthen capacity and role of ex-situ facilities in conservation activities and

research, with a view to complementing in-situ conservation.

3.

Expand ex-situ conservation centres to cater for threatened species, for

breeding and selection and as repositories for germplasm i.e. genebanks,
botanical and zoological gardens and arboreta.

4.

Ensure public involvement in planning and management of protected areas,

taking into consideration the involvement of local communities.

5.

Develop mechanism for ensuring compatibility between conservation and

sustainable development.

6.

Determine minimum viable population sizes for species and critical minimum
size of conservation areas.

7.

Review collection activities and the effectiveness of existing regulatory and

management arrangements.

Strategy 6: INTEGRATE BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS INTO

SECTORAL PLANNING STRATEGIES
Action Plan:
1.

Ensure biological diversity conservation is a factor in planning and impact

assessment of sectoral and cross-sectoral development programmes.

18

2.

Study the impact of national and state policies and priorities on conservation
and sustainable use of biological diversity.

3.

Develop tools to analyse and evaluate development plans and strategies which
may have impact upon biological diversity.

4.

Review current sectoral policies, plans and programmes to determine the

extent to which use of biological resources reflect conservation needs and
recommend appropriate measures therein.

5.

Ensure that biological diversity issues are incorporated in long-term and

medium-term development plans (e.g. Five Year Development Plans, Outline
Perspective Plans, National Development Plans).

6.

Ensure efficient dissemination of relevant information and extension services

to promote cross-sectoral integration in the sustainable use of biological
diversity.

7.

Ensure that biological diversity conservation is a major factor in the

management of our biological resources.

Strategy 7: ENHANCE SKILL, CAPABILITIES AND COMPETENCE

Action Plan:
1.

Identify critical skill requirements and undertake programmes to develop the

human resource base in the appropriate areas.

2.

Utilise research institutes and universities to build up competence in relevant

areas.

3.

Enhance research, planning and management capabilities through

collaborative programmes amongst local organisations and between local
organisations and established foreign institutions.

4.

Provide reward structures and design reward mechanisms to strengthen

appropriate fields for education to achieve conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity.

5.

Develop or reorientate education and training programmes with specific

reference to conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.

6.

Develop training programmes for public participation in biological diversity

conservation.

Strategy 8: ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION

Action Plan:

19

1.

Facilitate contacts between private sector and public sector in order to

improve design and transfer of appropriate technology, including
biotechnology.

2.

Encourage the formation of appropriate joint venture projects with

multinational and other corporations to encourage science and technology
transfer in enhancing the economic value of biological diversity.

3.

Provide incentives to the private sector to undertake activities in conservation

and sustainable utilization of biological resources.

4.

Encourage the establishment of consortia to complement government and

public efforts in the conservation of biological diversity.

Strategy 9: REVIEW LEGISLATION TO REFLECT BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

NEEDS
Action Plan :
1.

Identify existing legislation pertaining to biological diversity and review their

adequacy.

2.

Identify areas where new legislation or major enhancements to existing

legislation are needed for :
(a)

commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and

Agenda 21;

(b)

regulating and managing biological resources including the

introduction and implementation of codes of practice for collectors;

(c)

intellectual property and other ownership rights;

(d)

the development and utilisation of genetically modified organisms with

due regard to provisions ensuring safety procedures in their handling
and release to the environment;

(e)

introduction of alien species or population that threaten ecosystems,

species and populations;

(f)

management of threatened or endangered species and populations.

3.

Review Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other related legislation

to strengthen requirements for assessing direct or indirect biological diversity
loss or degradation.

4.

Improve the effectiveness of existing legal mechanisms by creating awareness

of conservation regulation and by stricter law enforcement.

5.

Review existing state and federal legislation pertaining to biological diversity

20

in order to promote uniform implementation between states.

Strategy 10: MINIMISE IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON BIOLOGICAL
DIVERSITY
Action Plan:
1.

Identify major sources of biological diversity loss such as forest damage or

degradation, overfishing, pollution of marine resources, development that
disrupts primary forest or catchment areas, destruction of mangrove areas and
coral reefs, and act to minimise these sources.

2.

Develop methods of evaluating the long-term hazards, as well as the viability

of populations and ecosystems, due to development.

3.

Develop national emergency response systems for major threats to biological

diversity, including early warning systems, notification procedures and
salvaging measures.

4.

Ensure effective enforcement for the compliance of mitigation and

rehabilitation measures in all activities that present potential dangers to
biological diversity.

5.

Rehabilitate degraded habitats where biological diversity has been reduced in

particular those within conservation areas and their adjacent areas.

6.

Encourage measures to preserve, improve and enrich biological diversity in

urban areas.

7.

Adopt measures to alleviate the impact of human activities on the

displacement of wildlife.

Strategy 11: DEVELOP POLICIES, REGULATIONS, LAWS AND CAPACITY

BUILDING ON BIOSAFETY
Action Plan:
1.

Formulate legislation and regulations on biosafety, in relation to activities and

products arising from biotechnology, especially genetic engineering, including
the importation, experimentation, storage and release of genetically modified
organisms.

2.

Ensure measures are taken to prevent the country from becoming a location
for hazardous research activities.

3.

Establish a committee on biosafety that includes representatives from the

environment, health and research fields, and keep abreast of developments in
this field in the international arena.

21

4.

Adopt an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure for

biotechnology research and activities, including assessment on safety and
social impacts.

5.

Establish an enforcement unit on biosafety within an appropriate government

department.

6.

Develop training programmes in biosafety management and practice.

Strategy 12: ENHANCE INSTITUTIONAL AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

Action Plan:
1.

Increase awareness within the civil service at both federal, state and local
government levels as well as in professional bodies and the private sector
through courses and training programmes.

2.

Enhance mass media coverage of biological diversity issues.

3.

Incorporate the study of biological diversity and related fields into the
curricula of schools and institutions of higher learning.

4.

Promote and support the biological diversity activities of nature clubs and
societies.

5.

Incorporate the notion of conservation of biological diversity and sustainable

use of its components as an element of environmental awareness and training
programmes.

6.

Recognise the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the

conservation and sustainable utilisation of biological diversity.

Strategy

13:
PROMOTE
INTERNATIONAL
COLLABORATION

COOPERATION

AND

Action Plan:
1.

Identify areas of research and technology requirements where cooperation

and collaboration are needed.

2.

Identify and develop collaboration with relevant international and national

institutions involved in biological diversity which would promote mutual
benefits.

3.

Develop bilateral and multilateral arrangements where appropriate, inter alia,

for germplasm exchange, technology transfer, and technical and scientific
information exchange.

4.

Promote regional collaboration in biological diversity, in particular on

22

transboundary issues e.g. establishment of transfrontier national parks, and

the effects of pollution on biological diversity.
5.

Recognise accepted international practices in germplasm exchange and

technology transfer.

Strategy 14: EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION

Action Plan:
1.

Identify and review existing mechanisms to facilitate the exchange of

information relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological
diversity.

2.

Establish or strengthen systems for the exchange of such information at

national and international levels through networking, and by establishing
databases and information centres :

3.

(a)

information centres and networks to disseminate relevant information

prepared by government, research and educational institutions,
industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals;

(b)

central directories of relevant data sets, information centres and

networks;

(c)

establishing and enhancing relevant databases and data management

capabilities.

Seek cooperation to address the repatriation of information, in particular

those not in the public domain.

Strategy 15: ESTABLISH FUNDING MECHANISMS

Action Plan:
1.

Review current funding options relating to biological diversity and identify the
potential for reallocation of resources for implementation of the strategies of
the National Policy on Biological Diversity.

2.

Seek new and additional incentives, funding sources and mechanisms, at both
the national and international levels, for the implementation of the strategies.
Funding sources should include government, non-governmental organisations
(NGOs) and the private sector.

3.

Establish trust funds for the conservation and management of biological

diversity.

23