Most of the disruptions to human safety and health are due to changing environment conditions, such as polluted air, throwing garbage in poorly managed environments, uncontrolled destruction of forest ecosystems, dumping of toxic waste and other activities that indirectly contribute to the deterioration of environmental quality.
The quality of environment in Malaysia, especially air and water, has deteriorated. While the industrial, construction, manufacturing, investment and agriculture sectors and other developments contribute a lot to the gross domestic product, they also contribute to the deterioration of the environment.
Apart from that, the increase in population in Malaysia also contributes to the increase in garbage generation, especially in urban areas. In fact, a 2018 report estimated that the amount of garbage generated per day on average for an individual in the city is 1.8kg.
Coupled with the issue of clinical solid waste dumping as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, this has greatly led to environmental pollution, affecting the level of safety, health and wellbeing of the community.
Similarly, environmental disasters occur due to activities such as dumping or discharging waste either in the form of liquid, gas or solid untreated garbage.
Naturally, the environment can absorb pollution if the quantity is small. However, if the pollution is excessive, the environment itself will respond with many types of disasters.
Urban communities are at risk and vulnerable to water pollution. For example, river water pollution in Sungai Kim Kim in Pasir Gudang, Johor, and Sungai Bertam, Tanjung Malim, Perak. Water pollution also caused the death of Orang Asli in Kuala Koh, Gua Musang in Kelantan.
This is one of the worst disasters ever reported in Malaysia because it involves death. Similarly, the river pollution in Pasir Gudang should be a lesson to all levels of society about the effects of development to the environment.
In facing the issue of environmental degradation, aspects of education, awareness and community concern for the environment need to be strengthened as deterioration of the quality of the environment will influence the health, safety and wellbeing of society.
One of the factors contributing to the degradation and destruction of the environment is the neglect in the context of important principles of relationship with nature so that humans better appreciate the blessings of nature that have been bestowed by Allah SWT.
There are five important principles of the relationship between man and nature that have been outlined by Islam.
First, humans need to realise that every creation of God on this Earth has a specific role and function. They complement each other. If one part is destroyed then it will upset the balance of nature itself.
This is stated in the words of Allah SWT in Surah al-Qamar, verse 49, which says: "Indeed, all things We created with predestination". In Surah Ar-Rad, verse 8, Allah SWT says again: "… and with Him everything is determined with precision".
Secondly, Allah SWT did not create something in vain. Instead every creation is proof of greatness, majesty and a sign of His power.
Thirdly, human beings are part of the universe created by Allah SWT and have a close relationship with the environment and all the components that are in it. Thus, we are responsible for managing and preserving the Earth and environment.
Fourthly, the principle of the relationship between man and nature also emphasises the concept of justice in Islam where it covers all beings — animals, plants and so on.
Lastly, the principle of human relationship with nature emphasises that human beings do not have the right to exploit natural resources arbitrarily because everything belongs to Allah SWT.
This matter has been clearly emphasised through the words of Allah SWT in Surah al-Syu'ara, verse 183, which means: "And do not deprive people of their due and do not commit abuse on Earth, spreading corruption".
These principles of the relationship between man and nature that have been outlined by Islam should be a guide and emphasized by the average person in interacting with nature and using the resources available in it.
This is important to understand and appreciate well because by keeping the boundaries of this relationship only then we can avoid doing damage to the environment.
The writer is Fellow, Centre for Science and Environment Studies, Institute of Islamic Understanding Malaysia (IKIM)