I read with displeasure the New Straits Times report entitled Ketengah Jaya villagers save sun bear cub. I do not feel that the article should have been worded in such a way in that it seems to praise the villagers and Rela members for their action. I believe it is their civic obligation to save the cub.

I know neither the issues or the problems arising from the Sun bears' presence in the village. However, what I do know is that the Malayan Sun Bear is a unique and endangered species; one that is a rare sight even in Malaysia. At 1.2m tall on its hind limbs, the species is suffering from excessive killing and a dramatic loss of habitat.

Some of us apparently aren't playing our part to protect this species. Rather we are taking the simplest solution by getting rid of it without thinking of the consequences. The Malayan sun bear is unlike the rabbits in Australia which are regarded as pests rather than pets or protected wildlife.

It is time for Malaysians to reassess our attitude and mindset towards the environment. The recent issue of illegal development at Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam is a related issue to ponder on.

Vision 2020 is targeting a 70-million strong population for Malaysia. How are we to welcome that many people in the near future if we cannot even find ways to accommodate and relocate our wildlife friends who are already here?

Having said that, I applaud the prime minister for including preservation of environment as one of the principles relating to the Islam Hadhari that he has been championing.