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.
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.
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.
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.
Stand for forests campaign
We take a two-pronged approach to protect Malaysia’s forests, positioning policy change as the central goal while mobilising public support and influence decision-makers.
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.
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.
How you can help
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Policy & JusticeOur Forests, Our Future
Urge the NRES Minister to protect our forests and indigenous rights in Malaysia
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Policy & JusticeEnvironmental Rights for Malaysia
Help us call on PM Anwar to show bold leadership in ASEAN 2025, delivering a strong, binding declaration on environmental rights.
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Community & ActivismEvery donation counts.
We can’t do this without your help. Take action for environment protection, please make a donation today.
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Orang Asli homes demolished in Pahang
Seven of the settlement’s 21 homes were destroyed, including the Rumah Adat the community hall used for weddings, funerals, gatherings and meetings and, of the six residential homes demolished, one belonged to an OKU (person with disabilities). Approximately 60 to 70 people live in this settlement.
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From Forests to Oceans: Meet five Earth Defenders showing what real protection is
From the Amazon to the Congo Basin to Thailand, meet five Earth Defenders whose stories serve as inspiration to join the movement to protect the planet.
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Malaysia’s Air Quality Improved in 2025, But Haze and Pollution Risks Persist, New Global Report Finds
Malaysia’s air pollution crisis is driven not only by urban emissions and fossil fuel power generation, but mainly by recurring haze linked to forest and peatland fires, agricultural biomass burning, and weak enforcement against polluters.
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Tanah adat itu wujud selagi Orang Asli masih hidup di atasnya
Kenyataan Bersama Batin-Batin, Organisasi Masyarakat Sivil (CSO) dan Masyarakat Orang Asli Pahang bagi Menjawab kenyataan Kebawah Duli Paduka Baginda Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah bahawa tanah adat tidak wujud di Pahang.
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Orang Asli defenders in Pos Simpor, Kelantan face possible arrest amid peaceful blockade on customary land
Greenpeace Malaysia stands in solidarity with the Orang Asli community of Pos Simpor and reiterates that all actions affecting Indigenous customary lands must proceed only with Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
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Together we are part of a growing, global movement determined to bring about the changes our planet desperately needs.