Exercise 7.2 (Reading Comprehension for SPM) Questions 1 to 5 are based on the following passage. 1
It does not take a rocket scientist to understand the relationship between corruption and environmental degradation. The fact is, the act of corruption ruins everything, and our environment is no exception. Both corruption and environmentally damaging behaviour are religiously wrong and have a major destructive impact on both humans and non-humans.
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The World Bank defines corruption as the “abuse of public power for private gain.” In
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terms of environmental degradation, the overall result of corruption is the diversion of resources from the public good to private consumption. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in its “Act Against Corruption” campaign stated that “a number of sectors are particularly vulnerable to corruption, including forestry, the protection of endangered species, water supply, oil exploitation, fisheries and hazardous waste management.” Additionally,
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weaknesses in enforcement also have contributed to an increase of the problem. In Malaysia, environmental corruption has existed for many years. This symbolises
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the existence of weaknesses in governmental institutions, poor governance, bad management, monitoring and enforcement. The results of such limitations are the degradation of environmental quality and resources. 4
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The link between environmental corruption and environmental degradation in Malaysia can be seen in illegal logging and poaching. One example is tiger poaching. The tiger is the traditional symbol of strength for our nation. It can be found only in Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand. Currently, the Malayan Tiger is in danger of extinction from a variety of activities, particularly from poaching. Tiger poaching has resulted in their
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decreasing numbers. Recent estimates suggest that only 250 to 340 tigers are left, rendering the Malayan Tiger a “critically endangered” species. Various efforts have been made to overcome this problem. For example, poachers have been caught and detained. But the problem still persists. For every hunter arrested, there are definitely dozens more outside continuing their activities. 5
Other than poaching, the loss of habitat also poses an intense threat to tigers. Habitat loss occurs in several ways, such as illegal logging, clearing of forests for agricultural activities and the construction of dams. For some people, it is not easy to link corruption to Prepared by: Ngoi Hui Chien (126651)
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poaching and illegal logging. However, this does not deny the fact that environmental corruption occurs. Corruption can involve kickbacks, embezzlement, fraud, conflict of
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interest, abuse of discretion, extortion, favouritism or nepotism. 6
To resolve the problem, not only should environmental corruption be addressed through legal action, but all Malaysians need to play their role in combating the problem, through education and close cooperation between all levels of society and anti-corruption 35
agencies. Such cooperation can be seen through the setting up of the Environmental Protection
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and Anti-Corruption Caucus (EPACC) by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to fight against environmental degradation caused by corruption and abuse of power. These initiatives should be strongly supported and we hope more people will come forward to assist EPACC and provide relevant information to eliminate environmental corruption.
Adapted from http://www.thestar.com.my, 2016
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(a) From paragraph 1, what is the relationship between corruption and environmental degradation? …........................................................................................................................ [1 mark]
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(a) From paragraph 2, state one sector which is affected by corruption. .............................................................................................................................. [1 mark] (b) From paragraph 3, what does environmental degradation in Malaysia cause? .............................................................................................................................. [1 mark]
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From paragraph 4, (a) why does the Malayan Tiger face the danger of extinction? …............................................................................................................................. [1 mark] (b) which words has the same meaning ‘continues’? ….............................................................................................................................. [1 mark]
Prepared by: Ngoi Hui Chien (126651)
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(a) From paragraph 5, why does loss of habitat occur? State two reasons mentioned in the passage. (i)..........................................................................................................................[1 mark] (ii)….....................................................................................................................[1 mark]
(b) From paragraph 6, state one way Malaysians can play their role in combating the problem of environmental corruption. ….................................................................................................................... [1 mark]
5 From paragraph 7, what method do you think can encourage people to come forward to assist EPACC and provide relevant information to eliminate environmental corruption? Give a reason for your answer.
Method
: ……………………...………………….……………………….…….[1 mark]
Rationale : …………………………………………………………...……...……[1 mark]
Prepared by: Ngoi Hui Chien (126651)
