This book produced by SAM, seeks to assess the country's quality of environment and conservation record. It contains latest data about forests, biodiversity, freshwater and marine ecosystems, and the urban environment. It is a valuable guide for every Malaysian citizen who is concerned about protecting the environment.

The book is priced at RM 10 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM 11 for East Malaysia. Copies of the book can be obtained at SAM at 27, Lorong Maktab, 10250 Penang or the Consumers' Association of Penang at 228, Macalister Road, 10400 Penang.

By analysing the statistics as available from official data and reviewing the consequences of practices and policies affecting natural resources and the environment, Alert 2001 seeks to refresh the minds of Malaysian citizens about the need for greater action and commitment for genuine environmental protection.

In analysing the various data available thus far in relation to the destruction, depletion and degradation of our natural resources and environmental quality, the conclusions in the book are indeed alarming in parts, worrying in others and a forewarning in general. Some key examples are as follows:-

	Forests: With most of the nation's lowland forests cleared, the hill slopes and upper elevations are now under constant attack to provide timber. Not only is the amount of remaining natural forests questionable, but more importantly, the healthy condition of these forest habitats is also suspect. Natural forests cover less than 60% of the country's landscape, with the figure dwindling to less than 45% in Peninsular Malaysia. Sarawak represents the last reservoir of tropical forests left, which is also disappearing for timber exports.
	Biodiversity: Malaysia is well on its way to losing many of the megadiverse species of wildlife and plants, due to, among other factors, degradation, habitat loss and conversion and pollution. A total of 614 known species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes and plants are threatened and dying out. As habitats become more fragmented and degraded, many of the remaining species in the country are already considered to be "living dead".
	Freshwater resources: The quality of Malaysia's freshwater resources is in dire straits. In just the last decade, the number of clean rivers has dropped from 57% of those monitored to only 28%. Despite a plentiful supply of rain, shortages still occur due to uneven rainfall distribution, increased water demand and water mismanagement.
	Highland ecosystems: Our highlands are under grave threat with over-development which has resulted in soil erosion, landslides, debris flows, and siltation from stripping the natural vegetative cover causing unstable soil conditions. Obvious examples are Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands and Fraser's Hill.

Coupled with SAM's own assessment of the state of our environment obtained from official information, the book concludes that it is clear that the Malaysian environment is under grave stress. Ecosystems continue to suffer the onslaught of unfettered development, stemming from the lack of political will to commit to a genuine strategy for change towards an ecologically sound model of development. Instead, what is clear from the environmental record is a business-as-usual approach with only minimal conservation measures taken here and there; and lip service provided to the idea of "sustainable development".

This book is a must read for all citizens, as it the right of every Malaysian to demand a clean environment and the conservation of our natural heritage not only for the present generation, but more so for the future.

S.M. Mohd. Idris
President.