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7 Dec 2025

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Malaysia Geography GCSE Case Study Overview

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Tati

@tatisotheraccount_

Malaysia's massive tropical rainforests are disappearing faster than anywhere else... Show more

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Tropical rainforest- Malaysia
Malaysia:
• Country in south-east Asia
• Peninsular Asia and Eastern Malaysia
• Nearly 63% of the country is r

Malaysia's Rainforest Crisis

Malaysia is home to some of the world's most biodiverse rainforests, covering nearly 63% of the country - that's an area the size of the entire UK! These forests are absolutely packed with life, supporting over 5,500 flower species, 2,600 tree species, and more than 1,000 butterfly species.

The country faces a serious problem with deforestation happening through three main methods. Clear felling wipes out entire forest areas completely, whilst selective logging only removes specific trees. Slash and burn farming involves local communities cutting down trees and burning land to grow crops.

Quick Fact: Malaysia has some of the world's best environmental protection policies, yet illegal logging still happens in Borneo.

Despite having excellent environmental laws on paper, the reality is quite different. The UN reports that Malaysia's deforestation rate is accelerating faster than any other tropical country globally.

Tropical rainforest- Malaysia
Malaysia:
• Country in south-east Asia
• Peninsular Asia and Eastern Malaysia
• Nearly 63% of the country is r

Major Threats to the Forests

Logging has made Malaysia the world's largest exporter of tropical wood, mainly from Borneo. Road construction for machinery and transport causes additional forest destruction, and indigenous tribes lose their traditional homes.

The massive $2 billion Bakun Dam project was set to flood thousands of hectares of forest for hydroelectric power. This would have destroyed 230 square kilometres of rainforest and forced the indigenous Kenyah people to relocate.

Mining operations, particularly tin mining and smelting in Peninsula Malaysia, require clearing forests for both the mines and access roads. These activities don't just destroy trees - they also pollute the land and rivers with toxic chemicals.

Think About It: Every smartphone contains tin that might have come from these Malaysian mining operations.

Tropical rainforest- Malaysia
Malaysia:
• Country in south-east Asia
• Peninsular Asia and Eastern Malaysia
• Nearly 63% of the country is r

Plantations, Fires and Solutions

Commercial plantations for palm oil and rubber have replaced vast forest areas. Many rubber plantations were abandoned when synthetic rubber became popular, but palm oil demand keeps growing, threatening species like orangutans.

Forest fires in Borneo happen naturally from lightning strikes, but many are deliberately started for land clearance. Sometimes slash and burn farming accidentally spreads into massive wildfires that destroy huge areas.

Malaysia fought back with the National Forestry Act in 1977, which banned exporting cheap logs and focused on processing valuable timber instead. The government now encourages alternative timber sources, increases public awareness, funds forest research, and involves local communities in protection projects.

Success Story: By banning low-value log exports, Malaysia makes more money from less wood, reducing the pressure to cut down forests.



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Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Geography

199

7 Dec 2025

3 pages

Malaysia Geography GCSE Case Study Overview

user profile picture

Tati

@tatisotheraccount_

Malaysia's massive tropical rainforests are disappearing faster than anywhere else in the world, despite having some brilliant environmental protection policies. Let's explore how logging, mining, and palm oil plantations are threatening this incredible ecosystem and what Malaysia is doing to... Show more

Tropical rainforest- Malaysia
Malaysia:
• Country in south-east Asia
• Peninsular Asia and Eastern Malaysia
• Nearly 63% of the country is r

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Malaysia's Rainforest Crisis

Malaysia is home to some of the world's most biodiverse rainforests, covering nearly 63% of the country - that's an area the size of the entire UK! These forests are absolutely packed with life, supporting over 5,500 flower species, 2,600 tree species, and more than 1,000 butterfly species.

The country faces a serious problem with deforestation happening through three main methods. Clear felling wipes out entire forest areas completely, whilst selective logging only removes specific trees. Slash and burn farming involves local communities cutting down trees and burning land to grow crops.

Quick Fact: Malaysia has some of the world's best environmental protection policies, yet illegal logging still happens in Borneo.

Despite having excellent environmental laws on paper, the reality is quite different. The UN reports that Malaysia's deforestation rate is accelerating faster than any other tropical country globally.

Tropical rainforest- Malaysia
Malaysia:
• Country in south-east Asia
• Peninsular Asia and Eastern Malaysia
• Nearly 63% of the country is r

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Major Threats to the Forests

Logging has made Malaysia the world's largest exporter of tropical wood, mainly from Borneo. Road construction for machinery and transport causes additional forest destruction, and indigenous tribes lose their traditional homes.

The massive $2 billion Bakun Dam project was set to flood thousands of hectares of forest for hydroelectric power. This would have destroyed 230 square kilometres of rainforest and forced the indigenous Kenyah people to relocate.

Mining operations, particularly tin mining and smelting in Peninsula Malaysia, require clearing forests for both the mines and access roads. These activities don't just destroy trees - they also pollute the land and rivers with toxic chemicals.

Think About It: Every smartphone contains tin that might have come from these Malaysian mining operations.

Tropical rainforest- Malaysia
Malaysia:
• Country in south-east Asia
• Peninsular Asia and Eastern Malaysia
• Nearly 63% of the country is r

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Plantations, Fires and Solutions

Commercial plantations for palm oil and rubber have replaced vast forest areas. Many rubber plantations were abandoned when synthetic rubber became popular, but palm oil demand keeps growing, threatening species like orangutans.

Forest fires in Borneo happen naturally from lightning strikes, but many are deliberately started for land clearance. Sometimes slash and burn farming accidentally spreads into massive wildfires that destroy huge areas.

Malaysia fought back with the National Forestry Act in 1977, which banned exporting cheap logs and focused on processing valuable timber instead. The government now encourages alternative timber sources, increases public awareness, funds forest research, and involves local communities in protection projects.

Success Story: By banning low-value log exports, Malaysia makes more money from less wood, reducing the pressure to cut down forests.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

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Most popular content in Geography

Most popular content

English - inspector calls quotes and analysis

Quotes from every main character

English LiteratureEnglish Literature
10

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user