It also comes with a heavy price, such as the threat of imprisonment. This is also true for Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam Malaysia (Peka) president Shariffa Sabrina Syed Akil and administrator Norhayati Shahrom.

“This is the price Sabrina and Norhayati are willing to pay to ensure our country’s environment has a chance to survive for future generations,” Peka Selangor exco member Karin Lee told FMT, however stressing that time behind bars for the duo was not necessary.

She was commenting on the duo’s arrest for allegedly insulting the Johor sultan in a Facebook post highlighting logging on land owned by the sultan.

Karin said Sabrina had always been an avid nature lover who had in her role as Peka president fought hard for the preservation of the environment.

Her outspokenness had also won her the reputation of a “staunch and relentless defender of the environment”.

“She has worked tirelessly with various government officials and agencies, Tenaga Nasional Bhd and even the Johor police, to help promote awareness and love of nature.

“Unfortunately, at times, her noble efforts were rebuffed, rejected and sometimes even reviled,” said Karin.

Even when faced with threats, Sabrina never cowered, she added.

“She always tried her best to convey the important messages that others feared to voice.”

Sabrina and Norhayati were arrested by Johor police yesterday and are being investigated under Section 233(1)(a) of the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Act.

If found guilty, they can be fined up to RM50,000, jailed up to one year in prison, or both.