His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, is known for speaking out on environmental issues such as river pollution and rubbish problems. He has used his position as Ruler to advocate for environmental causes through direct interactions with the government and by making strong statements publicly.
Last year, Sultan Ibrahim criticized the poor cleanliness and maintenance of low-cost flats in Johor, highlighting issues like indiscriminate rubbish disposal and unhygienic conditions. He called for the Federal government to assist in repairing these flats and urged residents to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.
In another instance, the Sultan expressed disappointment in people who littered drains, ditches, and rivers, which led to flash floods in Johor Bahru. He emphasized the importance of proper waste disposal to prevent such environmental disasters.
Sultan Ibrahim also reprimanded a former state executive councillor for neglecting environmental issues like rubbish dumping and river pollution. He emphasized the need for continuous work, enforcement, and monitoring to address these problems effectively.
Following the Sungai Kim Kim incident, the Sultan ordered authorities to investigate pollution in other rivers like Sungai Ulu Benut and Sungai Machap, where fish deaths were reported. He demanded immediate action against those responsible for polluting the rivers.
Johor Environment Department director Dr. Mohd Famey Yusoff noted Sultan Ibrahim’s deep concern for the environment, especially in the face of global warming. The Sultan’s efforts in raising awareness about environmental issues stemming from attitudes towards conservation help educate the public and emphasize their role in protecting the environment.
Environmental advocates like Safe Johor River founder Poh Paik Yik and Green Earth Society Johor president P. Sivakumar applaud the Sultan for using his voice to champion environmental causes. They believe that Sultan Ibrahim will continue to advocate for environmental issues as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
They also expressed hope that Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, currently the Regent of Johor, would follow his father’s example in promoting environmental awareness. They called for a more proactive approach by the state government in ensuring responsible environmental stewardship.
Johor health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon praised Sultan Ibrahim for his long-standing commitment to environmental protection. He emphasized the importance of monitoring environmental issues, particularly related to rivers and forests, and pledged to fulfill his responsibilities in this regard.
