In the ASEAN region, peatlands are considered to be a classified as a type of wetlands and are part of the natural landscape. In most of the ASEAN Member Countries, they are designated as conservation areas, production forests or agricultural lands with significantly varying proportions between countries whilst the pristine peatland areas are proportionately very small. 

In Malaysia peatlands are found in several states with a total estimation of 2.13 million ha. It is also recognized that peatlands possess a very delicate and unique ecosystem with important ecological functions and values. The uses and values of peatlands in Malaysia are towards socio-economical uses (e.g. forestry, agriculture, infrastructure, community livelihood, etc.) and protective or conservational purposes (e.g. forest, flood mitigation, water supply and act as carbon stores). 

However existing and future threats to peatland and its values are of concern due to problems faced and foreseen pertaining to its current management practices. Therefore with the intervention of the proposed project “Rehabilitation and Sustainable Use of Peatlands in Southeast Asia” funded by IFAD/GEF, Malaysia aims at achieving a balance between conservation and development on peatland and surrounding areas through sustainable and wise use management.

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