KOTA KINABALU: The environmental community of Sabah is mourning the loss of one of the state's most ardent nature defenders, S.M. Muthu, who died recently at age 75 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.
Known affectionately as the "Green Man", Muthu's unwavering commitment to conservation and environmental rights had left an indelible mark on the state's environmental landscape.
Born in Teluk Intan, Perak, Muthu first came to Sabah in the early 1970s as a young teacher.
His initial encounters with the state's breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity subsequently ignited a lifelong passion for environmental advocacy.
His mission to protect Sabah's environment for the future generation became a guiding principle throughout his life.
He was renowned for his fearless approach in addressing critical environmental issues, such as opposing the construction of coal plants for power generation, advocating against uncontrolled development in Tanjung Beach and Likas Bay, and tirelessly fighting for indigenous and social rights.
His activism was not without challenges; he faced opposition, police questioning and even bankrupting suits in court. Nevertheless, Muthu's resolute stance had earned him the respect and admiration of many in the state.
As the former president of the Sabah Environmental Protection Association (Sepa), Muthu mainly dedicated himself to raising environmental awareness among the state's policymakers, persistently pushing them to carry out the necessary environmental reforms.
His ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and straightforward manner opened his advocacy to people from all walks of life, though his bold ideas often required courage to embrace.
His influence also extended beyond environmental advocacy as he used to actively support youth initiatives, besides participating in rallies and peaceful protests, becoming a beacon of hope for Sabahans through his dedication to truth and justice.
Muthu passed away peacefully at his home in Kingfisher Park here on June 30, leaving behind his wife, Mary Lau Mee Yin, and children Dr Anand Nainar and Michele Nainar.
His legacy continued to inspire future generations to protect the state's natural heritage. Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew paid tribute to him, hailing him as a hero whose efforts would be deeply missed, but not forgotten.
"You know, he's a good man and he raised a lot of issues… environmental issues as an NGO leader. We welcome these kinds of heroes.
"I call them heroic acts because he doesn't care whether it pleases people or not, and also some leaders or not. But whatever he raises, points that are good, they are taken."
Liew also said that his outspoken advocacy had helped identify areas for improvement within the state's environmental policies.
"Only through his voice, his thoughts, do we know which part is our weakness and we need to improve that part," she said.
Reflecting on his passing, Liew expressed her sorrow and highlighted the need for more individuals with similar dedication and courage to rise up and continue his work.
"I feel very sad about his passing, and I hope we will have more people like him coming up to continue his fight. I pray that his passing will not be forgotten, his good work will not be forgotten, and that we will continue whatever that's left.
"Some of the issues that he raised, we have not committed, we have not started to work on them yet; but we will start working on those," she said.