What are natural resources?
Natural resources are materials obtained from nature and used by people for daily needs and economic activities. They are divided into two main types: renewable resources and non-renewable resources.
Two types of resources
- Renewable — resources that can be replaced naturally within a short time, such as solar energy, water, wind and forests.
- Non-renewable — resources that take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced quickly, such as petroleum, natural gas, coal and tin ore.
Key idea
Renewable resources can be replaced quickly, while non-renewable resources will run out because they take a very long time to form.
Importance and conservation
Natural resources supply raw materials and energy for industry, agriculture and transport, and so drive the country's economic development. Because non-renewable resources are limited, we need to use them wisely, save energy, and encourage recycling. Using renewable energy such as solar power also helps reduce our reliance on limited resources and protects the environment. Malaysia is rich in various natural resources, such as offshore petroleum and natural gas, wide forests, and fertile land for crops like oil palm and rubber. Sustainable management, such as replanting forests and controlling how much is mined, makes sure these resources keep benefiting the people without harming the environment. Every individual is therefore responsible for using resources carefully, saving water and electricity, and recycling so that future generations can enjoy them too.