Forests

Forests matter, from ancient rainforests full of life to green spaces in our cities. They cool the planet, clean our air and water, and support countless species including us.

Yet across Malaysia, many forests remain unprotected and threatened by weak laws, poor enforcement, and deforestation. Indigenous communities, especially the Orang Asli, have long cared for these lands, but their rights are often overlooked.

Sarawak Background Documentation. © Greenpeace / Dang Ngo

What We’re Facing

Malaysia’s forests are rich in life but they’re vanishing fast. From ancient biodiversity to Indigenous guardianship, everything is at risk when we let deforestation continue unchecked.

Orangutan in Tanjung Puting National Park. © Ulet Ifansasti / Greenpeace

Biodiversity at risk

From Malayan tigers to Orang Utans, forests shelter Malaysia’s rich wildlife. With 80% of land species depending on them, every loss puts nature at risk.

P & G Palm Oil Supplier Concession in Kalimantan. © Ulet Ifansasti / Greenpeace

Millions of hectares gone

2.9 million hectares of humid primary forest were lost in Malaysia between 2002 and 2023. (Source)

Deforestation hotspots

56% of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2023 happened in Sarawak, Sabah, and Pahang. (Source)

What We’re Building Together

We imagine a Malaysia and a world where forests are protected for good and where Indigenous land rights are honoured, biodiversity thrives, and communities live in harmony with nature, not in conflict with it.

Forests that regenerate, not disappear

Ancient rainforests and urban green lungs are safeguarded by strong laws rather than weakened by loopholes, vague policies, or profits.

Land rights, not land grabs

Orang Asli and local communities hold rightful ownership and decision-making power over their lands, leading forest protection grounded in justice and tradition

Restoration rooted in care

Degraded forests are revived with native trees, not monocultures through ecological wisdom, long-term stewardship, and community action.

Biodiversity, not silence

From the Malayan tiger to rare orchids, wildlife flourishes in thriving habitats. And they are not fragmented by deforestation, development, or neglect.

Our Work for Forests

We expose forest crimes and demand environmental justice for all. Through investigations, research, and community-led action, we hold corporations and governments accountable for deforestation and land grabs.

Indigenous people’s lands rights

We support Indigenous communities through skill sharing and legal support, partnering with allies to gather evidence for court cases and safeguard ancestral lands.

Learn more

Installation of Solar Water Pump in Timbulsloko, Indonesia. © Aji Styawan / Greenpeace

Community building

From solar power to forest schools, we’re building real, rooted solutions with communities where the frontline of climate change meets the frontline of change-making.