KOTA KINABALU: Environmental issues, mitigations and solutions might affect how voters pick their leaders come Nov 29, suggests a month-long World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia study according to the report by The Star.
It noted that the study, conducted across the state, showed that over 90% of respondents across all age groups and zones reported being affected by environmental issues in some way, and more than 90% declared that these concerns will influence their vote.
WWF-Malaysia said, in a statement last week, that this was not a niche issue for a select few; it was a mainstream concern that has become a key factor in Sabah’s political landscape.
It added that this unprecedented level of public engagement is a clear mandate for change and a powerful message to current and future policymakers, it said.
It also pointed out the significance of the state for having been globally recognised for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty and has made significant strides in conservation and sustainable land use.
“Yet, like many places, it faces growing pressures – from climate change to unsustainable development – that threaten hard-won environmental gains,” said the WWF-Malaysia.
