Abe Lim & Others v Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and Government of Malaysia

On February 28, 2026, six Malaysian youths aged between 18 and 30 filed a judicial review application before the Kuala Lumpur High Court against the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and the Government of Malaysia. The applicants challenge the government’s alleged failure to maintain at least 50 percent forest cover across Malaysia, a commitment first articulated by Malaysia at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and subsequently reaffirmed in national policy statements. The application relies on expert analysis indicating that between 4.27 and 4.51 million hectares of natural forest have been earmarked for conversion to timber plantations and other commercial uses. According to the applicants, if these conversions proceed, Malaysia’s forest cover could decline to between 47.4 and 49.6 percent of total land area. The applicants argue that the government’s alleged failure to prevent large-scale deforestation violates: * Article 5(1) of the Federal Constitution, concerning the right to life; * Article 8(1) of the Federal Constitution, concerning equality; * the doctrine of legitimate expectation; and * the public trust doctrine. The applicants seek declaratory relief and mandatory orders requiring the government to take measures to ensure Malaysia achieves and maintains at least 50 percent forest cover, including through action by the National Land Council and periodic progress reporting. The youth case also references international climate obligations and developments in comparative climate jurisprudence.