ALKAS Team

The Langkawi Award – Environmental Sustainability (ALKAS)

The Langkawi Award – Environmental Sustainability, better known as ALKAS, was initiated on October 21, 1991, in conjunction with Malaysia Environment Week (MASM), which is celebrated on October 21 every year.

ALKAS began with the enshrinement of the Langkawi Declaration, which was signed by Malaysia on October 21, 1989, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Langkawi. This declaration acknowledged that environmental pollution and destruction have been occurring for a long time, and that these environmental issues transcend borders and the interests of the nations involved. The declaration highlights major environmental issues such as the greenhouse effect, damage to the ozone layer, acid rain, marine pollution, land degradation, and species extinction.

Objectives and Expansion

The objective of ALKAS is to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to sustaining the environment. Furthermore, an award of this nature can raise public awareness to collectively participate in environmental sustainability efforts.

Initially, ALKAS was awarded only to individuals. However, starting in 2010, the ALKAS award was expanded to include organizations that have made a positive impact on environmental sustainability.

Recognition and Rewards

The ALKAS award is recognized by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. ALKAS recipients also receive a plaque signed by the Minister of Environment and a cash prize of RM10,000.

The list of ALKAS recipients is detailed in Table 1. As of 2022, there is a total of 24 ALKAS recipients, and this award will continue in order to achieve environmental sustainability objectives.

Evaluation Process

Briefly, there are three stages of evaluation before an individual or organization is selected to receive ALKAS:

1. Stage One (Screening Committee): This committee reviews the nomination documents that have been submitted to the secretariat.

2. Stage Two (Evaluation Committee): All candidates are evaluated based on their contributions, methods, and cooperation in solving environmental problems. This committee consists of Directors from the Department of Environment and Ministry officials, and is chaired by the Director-General of Environment.

3. Stage Three (Deciding Committee): The final stage consists of the Top Management of the Department of Environment and the Top Management of the Ministry, chaired by the Minister of Environment.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

In line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG2030), this award is seen to impact several goals directly related to the Department of Environment, such as:

• SDG6: Clean Water & Sanitation

• SDG11: Sustainable Cities & Communities

• SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals

The contributions of these ALKAS recipients go beyond matters related to the Environmental Quality Act (EQA) 1974 administered by the Department of Environment. They cover all aspects of environmental management and conservation, such as the establishment of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), the preservation of geoheritage sites, and advocating for forest reserves like the Royal Belum State Park in Perak.