Campaigning on the Right to Clean Air with Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior

Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior called at Port Klang in March as part of its tour across Southeast Asia, raising awareness for environmental and climate justice. The iconic ship was open to the Malaysian public on two weekends. Several events were organised around these open days.

One of it was a public forum on haze pollution and the right to clean air co-organised by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) and Greenpeace Malaysia on 18th March 2023. This was held right at Port Klang, so visitors to the ship could also attend it.

The session began with Yeb Sano, Executive Director of Greenpeace Southeast Asia, delivered an inspiring opening message. This was followed by a clear call for the right to a clean and healthy environment to be recognised and protected by YM Tengku Mohamed Fauzi Hamid, Commissioner of SUHAKAM.

The forum was moderated by Heng Kiah Chun from Greenpeace Malaysia. The discussants at the forum were:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Helena Varkkey, Universiti Malaya

• YM Tengku Mohamed Fauzi Hamid, SUHAKAM

• Kiu Jia Yaw

The crown prince of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah, was among the Rainbow Warrior’s visitors. He also attended the clean air forum.

SUHAKAM, Greenpeace and the anti-haze civil society organisation, CERAH took the opportunity to emphasise the need to amend our Federal Constitution to include explicit recognition of the right to a safe, clean and healthy environment.

Photo credit: Cover photo taken by KK Tang.