CLIMATE change is a common topic that everyone talks about from the global stage, government policies to the environmental insights shared by the non-profit organisations. They act as a constant reminder that there is no turning back on the damage we have caused on Mother Nature.  

I am often disheartened when I see more trees being chopped down to make way for construction and property development. Putting the economy aspect aside, the issue of climate change should never be sidelined because it is indeed growing concern in Malaysia due to its impact on the country’s environment, economy and society. Our country is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to its location in the tropics, where extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and landslides are becoming more frequent and severe.

According to Malaysia’s Third National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the country’s average temperature has increased by 0.6°C since 1969 and is projected to increase by 1.8°C to 4.5°C by the end of the century. The report also indicates that climate change has already caused significant economic losses in Malaysia, particularly in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.

Floods in Malaysia have become a yearly phenomenon, triggered by the northeast monsoon that brings heavy rain from November to March. We have been urged to improve disaster management, including harnessing real-time data, and investing in measures to reduce the impact of flooding. The floods in late 2021 and early 2022 caused severe damage to living quarters, vehicles, business premises, the manufacturing and agriculture sectors, public assets and infrastructure, with overall losses recorded at RM6.1 billion.

With fewer trees and more downpours, landslide incidents have increased in recent years, resulting in numerous casualties and damage to property. Landslides have been a problem in Malaysia for a long time, with incidents dating back at least to 1961.

Last December’s landslide near Batang Kali resulted in a catastrophic loss of life, where 450,000 cubic metres of soil tumbled onto campsites, killing 31 people. Sixty-one people were rescued, with eight of them requiring hospitalisation.

A recent study by Unicef, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sabah sheds light on the impact of climate change on children in the country. Extreme weather changes are affecting the health and well-being of children, and there is a need to address this issue urgently.

To address the impacts of climate change, Malaysia has developed several policies and initiatives. The National Climate Change Policy was introduced in 2011 to guide the country’s efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. In addition, it has set a target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement. The country has also implemented various initiatives, such as the National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan, to promote the development and use of renewable energy sources.

Despite these efforts, more needs to be done to address the impacts of climate change. The government and society at large need to work together to promote sustainable development, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate.

As individuals, we can also play a vital role in reducing climate change. The easiest way to begin would be to improve energy efficiency at home by turning on the water heater or air conditioner only when necessary. Reducing food wastage will also contribute towards cutting emissions from agricultural activities and waste management processes. Finally, taking public transport instead of driving all the time can also help to significantly reduce carbon emissions. – March 12, 2023.

* Alexander Goh reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.