Floods show RM7.24b for climate resilience grossly inadequate - group

An environmental group has pointed out that the recent floods have shown measures taken to enhance climate resilience and adaptation in the country are "grossly inadequate". 

Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) said this is despite the government's allocation of RM7.24 billion under the 11th Malaysia Plan.

“The recent floods have exposed many flaws in the country’s ability to deal with extreme weather and disasters.

“We must step up efforts urgently to support the initiatives to better cope with future extreme events and adverse impacts of climate change,” its president Meenakshi Raman said in a statement today.

In mid-December, a tropical depression battered central Peninsular Malaysia causing flash floods that wreaked havoc, especially in the Klang Valley. Further flooding occurred when the monsoon rains hit.

The recent floods led to at least 54 deaths and massive losses of property and destruction of infrastructure.

SAM previously warned that extreme weather events like what hit the Klang Valley would happen again due to the adverse impacts of climate change.

Adaptation measures 

Meenakshi said in terms of securing international funds for climate adaption efforts, Malaysia lags behind other Asean countries - namely Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.

She also cited a 2016 study by the Stockholm Environment Institute that revealed Putrajaya perceives climate change-related vulnerabilities as low compared to those in neighbouring countries.

“As a result, the government has subordinated adaptation action to the pursuit of economic development,” she added.

SAM president Meenakshi Raman

Adaptation measures are seen as adjustments in ecological, social or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects or impacts, such as extreme weather effects.

In light of the recent US$3 million (RM12.6 million) grant from the UN Green Climate Fund (GCF), SAM noted that it will take a while for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) to be prepared.

“To develop the NAP, we should take note that this is only for preparation and does not include funds for the implementation of actions under the plan,” Meenakshi said, adding that the NAP is expected to take a few years to be fully implemented.

In the meantime, SAM suggested that federal and state governments come up with interim plans and projects to secure international funds for adaptation projects.

“Such projects can include ecosystem-based measures that will help minimise risks from the adverse effects of climate change, build climate resilience and enhance disaster risk reduction efforts and preparedness,” she added. - Mkini