Every month, we catch up with Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn, the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, to chat about the biggest environmental news making waves in Malaysia. July gave us everything from new rules on plastic waste, to a major wildlife crime bust, to the return of that all-too-familiar haze. Yao Hua and Siew Lyn join us to share the 411.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Every month, we catch up with Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn, the co-founders of environmental journalism portal <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.macaranga.org/">Macaranga</a>, to chat about the biggest environmental news making waves in Malaysia. July gave us everything from new rules on plastic waste, to a major wildlife crime bust, to the return of that all-too-familiar haze. Yao Hua and Siew Lyn join us to share the 411.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Climate change, ferocious weather and ‘the haze’ are now part our everyday lives. How are our lifestyles connected to them, and what can we do about it? What does the economy have to do with it? Earth Matters engages with activists and experts to explore our changing relationship with the planet that we only borrow from our children.

Earth Matters

Macaranga Wrap-Up: July 2025

The annual migration of raptors across the Straits of Malacca is one of the region’s most remarkable wildlife events. Each year, thousands of birds of prey pass through Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve on their journey north, and the movement is closely observed by birdwatchers and conservationists. We discuss the migration of raptors, why this journey matters, and how the public can experience it through Raptor Watch 2026 with Wong Shea Hong, the Bird Group Coordinator at the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

The annual migration of raptors across the Straits of Malacca is one of the region’s most remarkable wildlife events. Each year, thousands of birds of prey pass through Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve on their journey north, and the movement is closely observed by birdwatchers and conservationists. We discuss the migration of raptors, why this journey matters, and how the public can experience it through <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mnsselangorbranch.org/2026/02/event-mycology-raptor-watch-2026.html">Raptor Watch 2026</a> with Wong Shea Hong, the Bird Group Coordinator at the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.mnsselangorbranch.org/">Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch</a>.Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Great Raptor Migration at Tanjung Tuan

Penang has long been celebrated for its heritage and natural beauty. But in recent years, concerns about overdevelopment, rising heat, flooding risks and large-scale reclamation have sparked difficult conversations about the island’s future. The Silicon Island project, formerly part of the Penang South Islands plan, is now moving ahead. Supporters call it essential for economic growth. Critics warn of irreversible ecological damage and serious consequences for thousands of fisherfolk. We take a closer look at what’s at stake with Andrew Han, a filmmaker and Programme Coordinator at Jaringan Ekologi dan Iklim (JEDI) Malaysia, who has spent years working alongside coastal communities affected by these changes.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Penang has long been celebrated for its heritage and natural beauty. But in recent years, concerns about overdevelopment, rising heat, flooding risks and large-scale reclamation have sparked difficult conversations about the island’s future. The Silicon Island project, formerly part of the Penang South Islands plan, is now moving ahead. Supporters call it essential for economic growth. Critics warn of irreversible ecological damage and serious consequences for thousands of fisherfolk. We take a closer look at what’s at stake with Andrew Han, a filmmaker and Programme Coordinator at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jedinetwork.org/">Jaringan Ekologi dan Iklim</a> (JEDI) Malaysia, who has spent years working alongside coastal communities affected by these changes. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Development vs Environment in Penang

Between 2002 and 2023, Malaysia lost millions of hectares of humid primary forest. In places like Gua Musang in Kelantan, the impact of forest loss is being felt directly by Orang Asli communities. Villages in Pos Pasik, Pos Simpor, and Pos Bihai are reporting polluted rivers, damaged crops, conflicts with wildlife, and increasing pressure on customary lands. Some residents are now facing possible legal consequences for defending those lands through peaceful blockades. We speak to Heng Kiah Chun, Campaign Manager at Greenpeace Malaysia, to examine what is happening on the ground and the policy changes that are being called for through the #HutanKitaHakKita campaign.


Image credit: Greenpeace Malaysia

Between 2002 and 2023, Malaysia lost millions of hectares of humid primary forest. In places like Gua Musang in Kelantan, the impact of forest loss is being felt directly by Orang Asli communities. Villages in Pos Pasik, Pos Simpor, and Pos Bihai are reporting polluted rivers, damaged crops, conflicts with wildlife, and increasing pressure on customary lands. Some residents are now facing possible legal consequences for defending those lands through peaceful blockades. We speak to Heng Kiah Chun, Campaign Manager at Greenpeace Malaysia, to examine what is happening on the ground and the policy changes that are being called for through the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.greenpeace.org/malaysia/petitions/our-forests-our-future/"> #HutanKitaHakKita</a> campaign. Image credit: Greenpeace Malaysia

Macaranga Wrap-Up: July 2025

In 1 playlist(s)

Earth Matters

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips