MELAKA, Aug 7, 2026 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim has stressed that genuine national progress cannot come at the expense of Malaysia’s hills, beaches, forests and natural treasures, calling instead for a balanced approach that prioritises environmental preservation and responsibility to future generations.
Speaking while officiating the National Landscape Day 2026 (Hari Landskap Negara 2026) ceremony at Stadium Hang Jebat in Krubong tonight, Anwar said development that damages the environment is not humane development.
“True progress cannot be achieved by arbitrarily sacrificing hills, beaches, forests and natural resources. Development that destroys the environment is not human development. Instead, Malaysia must continue to advance based on a balance between development, nature conservation and responsibility towards future generations,” he said in a statement shared on his official X account after the event.
He emphasised that national development should not be measured solely by physical progress, but also by the extent to which human values are preserved in shaping the environment.
Drawing on Islamic principles, Anwar noted that humans carry an amanah (trust) to prosper the earth, uphold the nation and build a prosperous society. Landscapes and the environment, he said, are not mere decorative elements but form a foundational basis for creating sustainable, beautiful and liveable cities and states.
The four-day celebration (August 6–9), themed “Landskap Lestari, Malaysia MADANI” (Sustainable Landscape, Malaysia MADANI), is the 27th edition of the event. It is jointly organised by the National Landscape Department and the Melaka Historic City Council, and has drawn nearly 3,000 participants including landscape professionals, local authorities, industry players and the public.
The ceremony was also attended by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
In his remarks, Anwar further urged planners to focus on ordinary Malaysians, noting that the majority of people — about 80% in Kuala Lumpur — eat at hawker stalls and small eateries rather than five-star restaurants. He said development plans fail without the right balance and must enhance cleanliness and quality of life in everyday public spaces, not only mega projects.
He also highlighted the importance of federal-state cooperation despite political differences, praising Melaka’s efforts in sustainable landscape management.
The event aligns with the broader MADANI framework, which seeks harmonious progress that integrates economic growth with environmental stewardship and social well-being.
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