LETTERS: Kelantan Forestry Department director Abdul Khalim Abu Samah was quoted as saying that logging was "good for the population of tigers".
It was based on the argument that the emergence of new plants would lead to an increase in the animal population and become a good hunting ground for tigers.
He may have his own basis for the argument, such as a 2009 paper by the World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia.
Published in Oryx, a journal of the Cambridge University Press, the paper states that "selectively logged forests . have the potential to accommodate a high density of tigers".
We leave this point here and let the experts comment on the argument.
In reality, logging not only affects tigers but also other wildlife and the Orang Asli.
Logging has also been associated with natural disasters, such as the recent flooding that led to loss of lives and billions of ringgit of losses in assets.
Therefore, logging should be evaluated in a holistic manner while taking into consideration climate change concerns.
Moreover, logging is only one of the issues affecting our environment with far-reaching consequences, mainly natural disasters and the livelihood of future generations.
Recently, some non-governmental organisations urged the government to stop logging for 25 years so that natural disasters, like the recent floods, would not recur.
Inevitably, any development requires the exploitation of natural resources.
Unfortunately, the world has limited resources.
Without a long-term outlook and plan, humans could overexploit the environment, causing harm to people and the planet.
This is a situation described in economic theory as the tragedy of the commons.
It refers to a situation in which individuals with access to a shared resource act in their own interest and, in doing so, ultimately deplete the resource.
Deforestation and exploitation of mineral and oil and gas reserves are examples of this.
As the threat of climate change is becoming more severe, it is essential that the government address the issue in a holistic manner, consistent with our commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As with other nations, Malaysia is committed to a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive development.
In fact, Malaysia has established the National SDG Council, chaired by the prime minister. The council has working committees, including one for the environment and natural resources.
Recently, in Selangor, it was announced that a committee comprising academicians and environmental non-governmental organisations will be set up to address issues related to climate change.
These efforts are lauded but are inadequate.
A central body is essential to act as an overseeing and coordinating body with the authority to address climate change.
An action plan should be developed, including enacting legislation, in line with the SDGs and the developmental goals of the nation.
This plan should recognise Malaysia's aim to transition to a high value-added, high-income economy.
The sustainability of our palm oil production should be reviewed from a long-term view, even though a mandatory national certification scheme for sustainable production is in place.
The key question remains: how do we strike a balance between current interests and the interests of future generations?
The Malaysian way should be towards achieving Agenda 2030 and SPV, free of corruption, mismanagement and negligence.
BADLISHAH SHAM BAHARIN, Deputy president, Ikram
MOHAMMAD ABDUL HAMID, Public policy consultant
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times