Abstract:
Humans utilize land and its natural resources to fulfil their needs. The over exploitation of nature have
damaged both nature and human. Therefore, humans should have standards of conduct which function
to distinguish right and wrong in utilizing nature and its natural resources. The standars of conducts in
utilizing nature and environmental are called as environmental ethics. Right and wrong are determined
by moral values believed in certain societies. Malays have local environmental ethics in viewing nature
and environment. This research aims to find out environmental ethics in Tunjuk Ajar Melayu (Malay
proverbs). By analyzing the text of Tunjuk Ajar Melayu, it is found that Malay have strong
environmental ethics. The principles of environmental ethics in Tunjuk Ajar Melayu are based on
customs, minds, morals, inheritance and religion. These ethics suggest people to use land and its
natural resources based on certain right behavior and attitudes
