World · Malaysia Bureau
Court dismisses RimbaWatch judicial review against two Malaysian ministries
A Malaysian court has rejected RimbaWatch's bid to review government action following the environmental group's complaint about fossil fuel advertising claims. The organisation had alleged that promotional materials described such fuels as 'carbon neutral'.
LSN Malaysia ·
The judicial review application filed by RimbaWatch against two government ministries has been dismissed by the court, marking a setback for the environmental advocacy group's efforts to challenge fossil fuel marketing practices.
RimbaWatch had previously lodged a formal complaint with the ministries regarding advertisements promoting fossil fuels, specifically challenging claims that such products or their use could be considered 'carbon neutral.' The group sought judicial review to compel the ministries to take action against what it viewed as misleading environmental claims in commercial advertising.
The court's decision to reject the judicial review application means the legal challenge to the ministries' handling of the complaint will not proceed. The ruling does not address the underlying claims about fossil fuel advertising content, but rather concerns the procedural grounds for judicial intervention.
The case highlights ongoing tensions in Malaysia between environmental groups and industries promoting conventional energy sources, particularly regarding how climate-related marketing claims are regulated and verified by government authorities.
RimbaWatch has not yet indicated whether it intends to pursue alternative remedies or appeal the court's decision.