The recent major floods in Selangor and Pahang should be a lesson to all. Based on observations, the floods were not a mere natural phenomenon. Rather, it was a catastrophe that occured as a result of irresponsible actions of a handful of us that have tweaked the balance of the environment and ecosystems. As a result, the environmental imbalances that have occurred have led to other major problems that affect human life such as the flood disasters that have occurred frequently in recent times.
In retrospect, this is not the first time such a major flood has occurred. In 2014, several states in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, namely Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu also experienced similar floods. When major floods occurred in several other areas in the states of Selangor and Pahang, it clearly shows that we have never learned from past experiences. The proof is, we are still witnessing the greed of certain parties to exploit the forest ecosystem arbitrarily.
Indeed, past major flood disasters that have hit the country should be a useful lesson to all of us about the importance of preserving the environment and ecosystems. The preservation of the environment and ecosystems is very important in addressing the issue of global warming that occurs today as a result of ongoing illegal actions which directly harm the environment.
Natural disasters will continue to occur if no appropriate steps are taken to address the issue. Factors that contribute to the occurrence of major floods need to be identified and refined so that a thorough solution can be taken to prevent the same thing from happening again in the future.
From observations, it is found that there are two main causes that led to such catastrophic floods which result in huge damages namely deforestation and global warming. From deforestation, unplanned development is one of the factors contributing to the devastation of forests. One such development is uncontrolled or improper and unsystematic land management for development such as: i) to make more land available for housing and urbanisation; ii) to harvest timber to create commercial items such as paper, furniture, homes and etc.; and iii) opening of new farming and agriculture area. These unplanned activities can lead to serious fragmentation of forest habitats and negatively impact the whole ecosystem.
Deforestation is also considered to be one of the contributing factors to global warming and climate change. Global warming causes serious consequences for humanity and other life forms. For example, a rise in sea levels of 18 to 59 cm will endanger coastal areas and small islands, and will result in a greater frequency and severity of extreme weather events. It was found that two small islands in Indonesia, namely Pulau Betet and Pulau Gundul, were reported to have disappeared following sea level rise due to climate change, while four other islands are expected to suffer the same fate. If the rise in sea levels are due to the effects of climate change continue for the next 20 to 30 years, it is expected that more small islands around the world will disappear.
Emissions of greenhouse gasses also cause global warming. Should the gases continue unabated, scientists expect the amount of rainfall during the heaviest precipitation events across the country to increase by more than 40 per cent by the end of the century. Even if we dramatically curbed emissions, downpours would still increase, but by only a little more than 20 per cent. Regardless of what action we take to cut emissions, municipalities that are vulnerable to heavy precipitation events should plan for more flooding.
Correspondingly, the greedy exploitation of the environment should be contained immediately to avoid the risk of widespread natural disasters in the future. Furthermore, in Islam the need to protect the environment is highly emphasised to ensure the continuity and balance to be maintained. Environmental conservation is given serious consideration as indicated by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions in ensuring the comfort and well-being of nature to be enjoyed by men on the earth.
Islamic teachings are complete and perfect enjoin men to control and preserve the environment to be harmonious, balanced and comfortable as Allah says: “Do you not see that Allah has subjected to you whatever is on the earth and the ships which run through the sea by His command? And He restrains the sky from falling upon the earth, unless by His permission. Indeed Allah, to the people, is Kind and Merciful” (Surah al-Haj [22]: 65).
In another verse, Allah says which means: “And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good” (Surah al-A’raf [7]: 56). These verses explain that God has made different kinds of favours whether spiritual or material on the earth so as to guide people to utilise all the natural components that He has made for the benefit of man himself as well as other creatures created by God.
In the context of the management and preservation of the environment and the ecosystem, Islam prohibits men from doing any kind of damage to it. However, these aspects seem to have been overlooked such that environmental quality deteriorates nowadays. Meanwhile, people should realise that the environment belongs to God which has been lent to us for survival and development of human civilisation. This is captured in the Word of Allah which means: “To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is within them. And He is over all things competent” (Surah al-Maidah [5]: 120).
Indeed, the verse gives the impression that no one has the right to make arbitrary deeds on the environment, not to mention desecrate its balance as to contribute to undesirable natural disasters. Undoubtedly, the environment and resources available are to be used in fulfilling the demands of life, but humans should be aware that they are also responsible for keeping and conserving the environment to ensure its sustainability for the future generations. Hence, it is better if we leave the natural treasures to our future generations later in a state of balance without any destruction.