Category: Development EN

Where Schools are Not A Pressure Zone Smart learning beats long hours in Finland. While much of the world equates academic success with long hours, heavy homework, and relentless testing, Finland’s approach flows with balance, trust, and purpose. In Finland, children spend less time in school than in most countries – usually around 4–5 hours a day for younger grades. Children begin formal...

Today, 5 January 2026, we, the local community especially those living in Meru Valley together with Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) and Sahabat Ekologi Perak (SEP) have been invited to attend the Local Inquiry and Hearing Committee Meeting (Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Siasatan Tempatan dan Pendengaran) - Draft Ipoh City Local Plan 2035 (Amendment) to clarify the objections that have been submitted. This...

At a “Speak Up” forum organised by 11 civil society organisations in Penang late last month, members of the public and various associations discussed their concerns, many of which involved the impact of mega infrastructure projects and development, which could cause flash floods and landslides. These, alongside concerns about rising heat on the island, the environmental impact of land...

This is what a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable city street looks like Picture this: A modern tram system gliding quietly along dedicated tracks, offering fast, clean public transport. Beside it, a separated bike lane – safe, wide, and shaded by rows of trees that not only cool the city but invite people to cycle year-round. At the heart of this design: A bike-sharing station, ready for...

New research has confirmed that New York City is slowly sinking under its own weight, and the ocean is rising to meet it. A study published in the journal Earth’s Future reveals that the city is subsiding by 1-2 millimetres each year on average, with certain neighbourhoods sinking at nearly twice that rate. Scientists say that the immense weight of millions of tons of concrete, steel, and...

THE MAN WHO COULD MOVE MOUNTAINS – Reflections on the social activism of S.M. Mohd Idris This unique book honours the remarkable life and legacy of S.M. Mohamed Idris – former President of the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) and Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM). Consumer advocate. Environmental sentinel. Tireless defender of the voiceless. S.M. Mohamed Idris was all this – and more. Idris...

It is regrettable that three children of the late S. M. Mohamed Idris have issued a statement that seeks to bring disrepute to CAP. Since 1969 CAP has been at the forefront of protecting the rights of ordinary citizens, of ensuring a healthy environment for everyone, and for building a just society. That is the enduring legacy of my late brother and founder of CAP. Today’s event, attended by...

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim encouraged social activists to continue to play a role in voicing their views to continue to bring about positive changes in the country’s development. The Prime Minister spoke at the launch of the book ‘The Man Who Could Move Mountains: Reflections on the Social Activism of S.M. Mohamed Idris’ at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic...

by Cikgu Azmi He did not descend as lightning striking from the sky of power, but arrived as the morning light that touched the narrow alleys of life. His steps never rushed ahead of the people, nor did he leave them behind. He walked alongside them, listening to the pulse of pain and hope on the very ground they shared. His presence was like a light that never blinded. It warmed, and gave...

KUALA LUMPUR, 15 December 2025 – In a significant tribute to one of Malaysia’s most revered social advocates, the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, officiated the launch of the book, “The Man Who Could Move Mountains: Reflections on the Social Activism of S.M. Mohamed Idris,” edited by Claude Alvares, Shahridan Faiez and Lim Jee Yuan. The event was held at the...