On Today Show
— Meenakshi Raman, President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) – Environmental Autonomy for Sarawak: A Step Backwards, Says SAM President
— Agnes Padan, a citizenship activist from Lawas – Elderly Women in Lawas Lose MyKad: Bureaucratic Hurdles and Language Issues
— Abun Sui, Senator of PKR Sarawak – Approval of Fire Station in Sg Asap Resettlement Area After Over 25 Years of Waiting

Topik Pada Hari Ini
— Meenakshi Raman, Presiden Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) – Autonomi Alam Sekitar untuk Sarawak: Satu Langkah Mundur, Kata Presiden SAM
— Agnes Padan, aktivis kewarganegaraan dari Lawas – Wanita Warga Emas di Lawas Kehilangan MyKad: Halangan Birokrasi dan Masalah Bahasa
— Abun Sui, Senator PKR Sarawak – Kelulusan Balai Bomba di Kawasan Penempatan Semula Sg Asap Selepas Lebih 25 Tahun Menunggu

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Meenakshi Raman, President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)
*Environmental Autonomy for Sarawak: A Step Backwards, Says SAM President*
According to Meenakshi Raman, the idea of granting full autonomy to Sarawak concerning environmental matters is a regressive idea. She argues that, when compared to the states in Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak often fails to comply with legal environmental requirements. For instance, in Peninsular Malaysia, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is mandatory for any major project. However, in Sarawak, it is left to the discretion of the project developers. This means that the people and the environment in Peninsular Malaysia are better protected than in Sarawak.
Meenakshi questions whether this is what the Sarawak Government desires. She points out that people's rights are not respected, the environment is not fully protected, and consultations with the people are not conducted transparently (FPIC). She believes the government should not allow Sarawak to adopt weak environmental laws and regulations. If Sarawak's motive for seeking full autonomy is to avoid interference from environmental agencies or the Department of Environment in their mega projects, it is very disappointing.
However, she acknowledges that if Sarawak wants to advance and lead in the projects they implement, they must not only comply with federal environmental laws but also adhere to international laws, regulations, and standards. According to Meenakshi, the duty of any government is to protect its people and the environment. She states that Sarawak's environmental record at the international level is unsatisfactory, and human rights violations in Sarawak are also frequent. Many customary land rights disputes have been taken to the federal court.
Therefore, Meenakshi advises the people of Sarawak to continue speaking out so that their rights are not violated and laws that diminish people's rights and pollute the environment should be challenged in court. She notes that SAM has observed since the 1980s that there have been many violations of people's rights in Sarawak and many industries developed by large companies in Sarawak do not comply with local and international standards.
For example, the aluminium smelting industry in Samalaju, logging, plantation, and hydro dam construction. Meenakshi warns that if Sarawak continues such actions, not only will Sarawak face international pressure and actions, but Malaysia as a whole and its entire population will also feel the negative impacts. She emphasizes that now is not like the 1980s. With the help of technology, environmental crimes can be reported from anywhere in the world.

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