Since 1992, Malaysia pledged to keep 50% of its land under forest cover. New expert data shows millions of hectares are already earmarked for destruction. Young Malaysians did not cause this crisis – but will spend their whole lives paying the price.
That is why 6 young Malaysians, aged 18–30, are taking the Government to Court.
What’s at Stake?
The Broken Promise:
“Malaysia will permanently keep at least 50% of its land under forest cover.”
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Rio Earth Summit,1992.
“Malaysia will permanently keep at least 50% of its land under forest cover.”
Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Rio Earth Summit,1992.
4.4 million hectares
already earmarked for
commercial conversion
(larger than the size of
Perak & Johor
combined)
commercial conversion
(larger than the size of
Perak & Johor
combined)
47.4% - 49.6%
Projected forest
cover if conversions
proceed –
breaching
50% pledge
cover if conversions
proceed –
breaching
50% pledge
RM933 million
RM933 million
Flood-related losses
in 2024 alone,
linked to
deforestation
Flood-related losses
in 2024 alone,
linked to
deforestation
Who Are The Applicants?
Abe Lim (30)
Climate Governance Advocate & Postgraduate Researcher, Perak
Sitti Fatimah (25)
NGO worker focused on children’s rights, Sabah
Winona Elisha Jemak (23)
Climate Policy Researcher & Postgraduate Student, Sarawak
Lee Yu Dong (20)
Law Student & Student advocate, Johor
Adom Teh (20)
Law Student & Student Advocate, Johor
Amira Aliya (18)
Youth Environmental Advocate & Pre-university Student, Johor
Why This Lawsuit Matters?
This is not just about trees.
The earmarked deforestation area is larger than Perak and Johor combined — roughly the size of Switzerland.
If converted, Malaysia's forest cover will fall below the 50% threshold promised to the world.
Rising temperatures.
Deforestation directly increases global and local temperatures.
A 2020 Malaysian study found higher forest cover correlates with land surface temperatures 2.4°C lower.
Biodiversity collapse.
Malaysia is 1 of only 17 megadiverse countries on Earth. Between 2015–2021, over 3,300 human-elephant conflict complaints were filed — habitat loss is a primary cause.
Flooding & disaster.
Deforestation accelerates flooding. Flood-relates losses reach RM933.4 million in 2024, up from RM755.4 million in 2023
Human rights at stake.
The indigenous community are gradually being dispossessed of their ancestral lands, homes & sources of livelihood.
Eco-anxiety.
A global survey of 10,000 young people found nearly 60% are very or extremely worried about environmental problems, 75% believe the future is frightening.
Intergenerational injustice.
The generation that destroyed Malaysian forests won't be here to face what comes next. Young people will – that is why they must rise & fight today.
The Legal Case
A constitutional argument, not just activism
The Applicants are arguing the Government’s inaction breaches 4 distinct legal grounds under the Malaysian Constitution & laws.
Article 5(1) – Right to life
The right to life encompasses the right to a safe, clean & sustainable environment
Article 8(1) – Right to equality
Deforestation’s consequences disproportionately burdens youths & future generations, resulting in intergenerational injustice
Legitimate Expectation – Broken promises
Consistent government representations since 1992 create a legitimate expectation that 50% forest cover will be maintained
Public Trust Doctrine – Government As Trustee
The Government has a duty to protect natural resources for the public & future generations, not private commercial interests
What Are They Asking From The Court?
Declarations of Legal Rights – That the litigants’ & young Malaysians’ right to life (Article 5(1)), right to equality (Article 8(1)), legitimate expectation & the Public Trust Doctrine have been breached
Mandatory Orders – For the Government to take all steps necessary to address the projected deforestation to prevent a dip below 50% forest cover, and to report any progress at the 90, 180 and 270-day mark.
This Lawsuit Is For All Of Us
The applicants are standing in for every Malaysian who will inherit the consequences of today's decisions. Follow the case, share the story, and hold the future open.
Important Dates
28th February 2026
The lawsuit is filed at the KL High Court
14th May 2026
Hearing for leave for judicial review at the KL High Court
Court Documents
Note: These documents are written in Bahasa Malaysia & English, with the English translation at the back
- Application For Judicial Review
- Applicants’ Affidavit in Support (Volume 1)
- Applicants’ Affidavit in Support (Volume 2)
- Applicants’ Expert Affidavit
Contribute
Six young Malaysians are taking the government to court to save our forests – and our youth’s future. They need your support to see it through.
You won’t be in the courtroom. But you contribution will be.
Further details on fundraising will be announced shortly.
You may be able to help out by volunteering your skills & time.
Click here for details on volunteering
Volunteer
Your skills. Our collective future.
You don't have to be a lawyer to fight for Malaysia's forests.
Behind every landmark case is a team of people who showed up. Researchers, writers, designers, videographers, organisers — this movement needs all of it. It needs you.
A lawsuit of this scale cannot be won by six people alone. If you have time, talent, or a network, there is a place for you in this fight.
Click Here To Register
How You Can Help
🖊️ Legal Research & Writing
Help build the case. If you have a background in law, environmental policy, or constitutional rights, your expertise is needed behind the scenes.
📢 Communications & Social Media
Shape the narrative. Write, post, translate, and amplify. Every share is a step toward the courtroom.
🎨 Design & Creative
Make it impossible to ignore. Help create visuals, infographics, and campaign materials that cut through the noise.
📊 Research & Fact-checking
Ground the case in evidence. Help track deforestation data, policy documents, and international climate precedents.
🤝 Community Outreach
Bring more people in. Organise talks, screenings, and conversations in your school, university, workplace, or community.
🌐 Translation
Make this case speak to everyone. Help translate materials into Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Tamil, and indigenous languages.
Volunteer
Can't volunteer right now? Your financial support is just as vital — and every ringgit helps keep these six in the fight.
Click here for details on donation
Contact Us
We can be found on X and Instagram.
You can also email us at
hello@manahutankami.com