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Review Article Volume 11 Issue 2
Hijau (Green): A reflection of a song that sings for the forest, cries for the future
Chee Kong Yap
Received: April 19, 2026 | Published: June 15, 2026
Citation: Yap CK. Hijau (Green): A reflection of a song that sings for the forest, cries for the future. MOJ Biol Med. 2026;11(2):52-58. DOI: 10.15406/mojbm.2026.11.00270
Abstract
This reflection note explores the cultural, educational, and ecological significance of the original Malaysian-made song Hijau (Green), famously performed by Zainal Abidin but composed and written by the lesser-known yet pivotal figure, Mukhlis Mohamed Nor (MMN) or just known as Mukhlis Nor. Drawing from personal experience as a university professor and educator, I revisit how Hijau, in which I first encountered during secondary school in the 1990s, that continues to resonate as a timeless ecological message. Through its lyrical depth, regional dialect, and poetic structure, Hijau captures pressing issues such as deforestation, pollution, ozone depletion, and moral decay with remarkable foresight. More than just a song, Hijau is framed here as a form of environmental education, emotional protest, and intergenerational lament. Its impact in the classroom is also discussed, highlighting how the song serves as a teaching tool in educational courses. Special emphasis is given to recognising MMN as the true creator of this musical and ecological masterpiece, a composer whose contribution has often been overlooked in favour of the performer. This reflection argues for the continued sharing and teaching of Hijau, and for the rightful honouring of MMN as a national voice of ecological conscience. I salute you indeed!
Keywords: environmental songs, composer, environmental education, ecological reflection, malaysian music
©2026 Yap. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.