Peninsular Malaysia is undergoing rapid economic development and modernization. As a nation Malaysia is recognized as being one of the world's most successful developing countries. This paper presents a series of case studies chosen to illustrate some of the human and ecological consequences of economic development and pays particular attention to the Malaysian Government's awareness of, and response to, the impact of environmental change.

When a discussion such as this is embarked upon by writers from the so-called “developed” world it is perhaps necessary to preface the ensuing discussion by a series of statements concerning economic development and environmental issues in general. Previously these statements have only been made within the context of Malaysia but they do provide a conspectus in which a more rational rather than an alarmist view of such issues may be made. They have relevance to most problems concerning the environmental consequences of economic development in both the “developing” and the “developed” worlds.

Firstly, it is now generally conceded that the viability of our environment can be irreversibly destroyed through slow, but unwise, ecological behaviour in everyday affairs. Ultimately, in the view of some alarmists, the end product of such behaviour may be as destructive as a dramatic nuclear holocaust. The environmental changes now taking place in countries such as Malaysia are often viewed in such alarmist terms. One need only look to the results of the ecological changes that have taken place in Amazonia Brazil to feel some sympathy for such views. Alarmist perspectives, however, must be tempered with a degree of caution. Any form of development must lead to some permanent change in that environment. Quite often, however, development can be regulated so that environmental impact is minimized, controlled, or effectively managed.

Secondly, few people would argue against economic policies that enhance standards of living and human welfare. In many cases, however, economic development is accompanied by insufficient environmental care and inadequate ecological knowledge.