PETALING JAYA, April 12 — Election candidates looking for voter support should consider publicly announcing their short and long-term plans to fight pollution, a green movement comprising 20 environmental groups said today.

Citing a poll of about 1,600 Malaysian voters, the greenies pointed out that some of the biggest concerns in the country today revolved around water pollution with 86 per cent saying polluted rivers and seas were their top environmental concern, followed by deforestation and illegal logging (84 per cent).

The announcement of the results followed an open letter submission by 20 NGOs to the president of all political parties in Malaysia dated January 25.

“We appeal to all politicians to inform the voters how they will work towards realising those aspirations for the benefit of the people and, more specifically, what you would do in the first 100 days if you are elected to form the government,” World Wildlife Fund-Malaysia CEO Datuk Dionysius Sharma said in the statement accompanying the survey results.

“We must aim to achieve development in a sustainable way to balance our aspirations for economic growth without compromising our natural capital like environmental assets, social systems and cultural resources.

“Only then can we ensure higher standards of living for current and future generations,” he said.

Echoing his sentiments was the Malaysian Nature Society president Henry Goh, who said that it was paramount to sustainability that the public was consulted before development projects proceeded.

“We would like to draw attention to the fact that in order for sustainable development to take place, it is essential that the general public is consulted and their views be taken into consideration,” he said.

The open letter also stressed that aspirations and plans for sustainable development in Malaysia should be included in the political party’s manifesto and that parties should ensure that sustainability was on high priority for the benefit of current and future generations.

“We believe that environmental conservation deserves a greater emphasis in your aspirations for our country,’ the letter reads.

“Sustainable development should be a goal that ensures a win-win in the environmental, social and economic dimensions.

“By informing voters of your aspirations and plans for sustainable development in Malaysia, you allow them to make informed decisions with their votes,” it read.

Land Empowerment Animals People Spiral executive chairman Cynthia Ong said that the voters polled also raised questions over the nation’s development path.

“We seek deep commitment, sincerity and clear resolution from our political leadership that these issues will be placed high on their agenda and that they will collaborate with civil society to make the shift imperative for a progressive and balanced future for all,” she said.

The other 17 groups that signed the letter were Biji-biji Initiative, Civil Society Organisations for Sustainable Development Goals Alliance, Ecocentric Transitions, EcoKnights, Environmental Protection Society Malaysia, Friends of Sarawak Museum, Hunger Hurts Malaysia, #PowerShiftMsia, Reef Check Malaysia, Sabah Women’s Action Resource Group, Sabah Environmental Trust, Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, Sarawak Eco-Warriors, Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Society for the Promotion of Human Rights, Treat Every Environment Special and Wetlands International Malaysia.

Taps nationwide, and in the Klang Valley in particular, have been increasingly running dry more frequently, including during the rainy season in recent years, and exasperating residents.