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Section B — Living WorldTropical RainforestNEEPaper 1

Malaysia — Deforestation

Lost 16% of primary rainforest 2002–18 · 24th largest rainforest in the world · palm oil, logging, settlements.

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16%
Primary forest lost 2002–18
145,000ha
Cleared in 2018
24th
Largest rainforest globally
Key facts — from Seaford 2025–27 case study notes

Background

  • Malaysia is in Southeast Asia, split between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Borneo)
  • Contains the 24th largest rainforest in the world
  • Between 2002–2018, Malaysia lost 16% of its primary rainforest
  • In 2013, forest cleared was larger than Denmark · in 2018, 145,000 ha were cleared
  • Threatens species including orangutans

Causes of deforestation

  • Logging: Malaysia is a major timber exporter — 80% of Borneo's rainforest exploited for timber
  • Palm oil: Large-scale conversion of forest to palm oil plantations — huge global demand
  • Settlements: Population growth requiring more land for housing and agriculture
  • Mining: Mineral extraction in forest areas

Economic impacts (positive)

  • Timber exports generate significant income
  • Palm oil is Malaysia's largest agricultural export
  • Economic development: jobs, infrastructure, foreign investment
  • Supports population growth and urbanisation

Environmental impacts (negative)

  • Loss of biodiversity — orangutans, pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinos threatened
  • Carbon released into atmosphere — contributes to climate change
  • Soil erosion and river siltation without tree roots
  • Disruption of water cycle — less transpiration, more flooding
  • Loss of indigenous community lands
Exam questions — 3 questions · 12 marks
Geography exam tip: Always use named examples with specific data. "An earthquake in Nepal" scores fewer marks than "The 2015 Nepal earthquake (magnitude 7.9, 9,000 deaths)." Learn the statistics on this page.
1 markScale

How much of Malaysia's primary rainforest was lost between 2002 and 2018?

A About 5%
B About 16%
C About 40%
D About 50%
4 marksCauses and effects

Explain the causes and environmental effects of deforestation in Malaysia. (4 marks)

Hint: Cover at least 2 causes AND at least 2 environmental effects. Use specific examples from Malaysia.
+40 XP
4 marksEvaluate sustainability

A Malaysian official argues that deforestation is necessary for economic development. Evaluate this view. (4 marks)

Hint: Give economic arguments FOR deforestation, then environmental and long-term economic arguments AGAINST. Conclude with a balanced judgement.
+40 XP

Case study complete! 🎉

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