· July, 2012

Stories about Malaysia from July, 2012

East Asia: Flourishing Illegal Trade in ‘Captive Bred’ Exotic Birds

  28 July 2012

According to a July 2012 report from the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC), many endangered birds that are sold as captive bred have actually been caught in the wild and smuggled out of their original habitats under cruel conditions. An ID registration scheme for captive bred parrots introduced in Taiwan enables clear identification of legally saleable birds to try and combat this problem.

Malaysia: Selangor State Faces Water Shortage

  25 July 2012

Selangor, Malaysia's richest state, could be facing a water shortage crisis soon after its water concessionaire announced that water rationing might be necessary because of lack of clean water reserves. The state government, however, is accusing the company of using the issue to gain more profit.

MENA: Welcoming Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar has just begun. It is a time when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, try to get closer to God and celebrate their blessings. Around the world, Muslims have been trying to capture the spirit of the month with photographs, sharing them on different social media websites.

Malaysia: ‘National Harmony Act’ Greeted with Cynicism

  18 July 2012

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced that the nation's infamous Sedition Act of 1948 is to be repealed, and replaced with the National Harmony Act. One might then expect that its demise would be met with celebration - however, there is widespread concern that the new National Harmony Act will not prove any better than its predecessor.

Chinese Investment: Boon or Bane for Southeast Asia?

  3 July 2012

The emergence of China as a global economic powerhouse is bringing tremendous benefits to its cash-strapped neighbors in Southeast Asia. But some of its investments have been mired in various controversies involving land disputes, village displacements, environment destruction, and corruption.