Climate Change: Whole-of-nation Approach Needed - Lee

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The government must adopt an urgent whole-of-nation approach to tackle the escalating climate change crisis, which now poses an immediate threat to Malaysia's food security, lives, and national resilience.

Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the country could no longer afford to respond only after climate-related disasters occur, citing the increasing frequency of severe floods, extreme heat, droughts and haze.

"The climate change crisis is no longer a distant environmental concern. It is an immediate threat to lives, livelihoods, food security and national resilience.

"Malaysia is already experiencing more frequent and severe floods, extreme heat, droughts and other climate-related events and now the haze. We cannot afford to continue responding only after disasters occur," he said in a statement today.

Lee said a whole-of-nation framework must integrate climate policy, disaster preparedness, food security, public health, water management, infrastructure and community safety.

Highlighting food security as a major vulnerability, he warned that climate shocks risked disrupting domestic rice, vegetable, livestock and fisheries production.

"Food security deserves particular attention. Climate shocks can disrupt our rice, vegetable, livestock and fisheries production. We must invest urgently in climate-resilient agriculture, efficient water management, food storage and stronger domestic food production," Lee said.

He also called for mandatory climate risk assessments on all major infrastructure and development projects, alongside stronger protections for natural defences such as forests, wetlands and mangroves against floods, heat and coastal hazards.

Lee added that addressing the crisis extends beyond government intervention, with collective action needed from businesses, communities and individuals.

"We must act before climate disasters become climate catastrophes. The cost of prevention and preparedness will always be lower than the cost of losing lives, livelihoods and our food security," he added.

-- BERNAMA