KUCHING: Climate change is no longer an abstract issue, but a real and pressing threat with direct implications for Malaysia’s economic growth, fiscal stability and social wellbeing.

Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said recent analyses indicate that climate change poses material risks to the national economy.

“Floods, landslides and extreme weather events have already disrupted communities, damaged infrastructure and increased pressure on public finances,” he said.

He was speaking at the launch of the Subnational Climate Change Institutional Assessment (CCIA) here on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari noted that Sarawak and Sabah, which are home to vast forested areas and high-carbon landscapes, play an important role in shaping the direction of the country’s climate action.

According to him, this position makes land and natural resource governance in both territories a critical factor in ensuring Malaysia achieves its climate targets.

The event was also attended by Sarawak Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian, Speaker of the Sarawak Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar, Minister in the Premier’s Department Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, World Bank Chief Economist for Malaysia Apurva Sanghi, as well as heads of departments. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Grace John Lee
Photo: George Embie
Translator: Uilson Ng