CLIMATE

CHANGE IN
MALAYSIA

RAJVINDERJEET SINGH (A20MJ5007)

UHMT 1012 SEC J2

UTM KL - MJIIT

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 TOPIC: CLIMATE CHANGE IN MALAYSIA

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1
CAUSE AND EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN MALAYSIA ..................................................... 1
MITIGATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE .............................................................................................. 2
ADAPTATIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE .......................................................................................... 3
PERSONAL REFLECTION .................................................................................................................. 3
CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................... 4
REFERENCE.......................................................................................................................................... 5
APPENDIX 1: SUMMARY OF SOURCES .......................................................................................... 6

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 INTRODUCTION

Climate change is defined by National Geographic as a long-term shift in regional or

global climate patterns. Climate change often refers to the rise in global temperatures
beginning from the mid-20th century. In the past few years, we have witnessed numerous
erratic and unusual climate phenomena in Malaysia. For instance, in the last decade, the east
coast of Peninsular Malaysia experienced one of its worst floods in decades, affecting more
than 200000 people with an estimated property damage worth USD 560 million (Kumar,
2015). 2 states in Malaysia also experienced a water crisis lasting several months due to a dry
and hot climate conditions experienced in the states at that time. As such, the Malaysian
government has taken initiatives to combat climate change in the country.

CAUSE AND EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN MALAYSIA

A study by the Malaysian Meteorological Department in 2015 found an increase in

the mean daily temperature in Malaysia. Data from the study showed that the increase in
mean daily temperature varied across the country. It was concluded that the increase in mean
daily temperature was greater in places that experienced a high development rate compared to
those with a lower development rate. There was also a significant increase in mean daily
temperature during the 2015-2016 El Nino period. It was also found that there was a
significant increase in the frequency of El Nino occurrence in the last 45 years.
Another effect of climate change in Malaysia is the increase in the mean sea level of
the waters surrounding Malaysia. On average, the rise in Malaysia’s mean sea level is
calculated to be at around 3.67mm/year (Kamaruddin et al., 2016). This was calculated based
on an analysis of tidal data from 1984 to 2013. The rate at which Malaysia’s mean sea level
rises is greater than the global average of 1.7 to 3.1mm/year. This difference could be
attributed to local climate and tropological conditions in Malaysia. Based on projections from
the Atmosphere-Ocean coupled Global Climate Model / General Circulation Model
(AOGCM) simulations, the sea level around Peninsular Malaysia is expected to rise by
0.066m to 0.141m in 2040 and by 0.253m to 0.517m by the year 2100. Meanwhile, Sabah
and Sarawak are expected to experience a rise in sea levels of 0.115m to 0.291m in 2040 and
a rise of 0.432m to 1.064 by the year 2100. It is projected that the northeast and northwest
regions of Peninsular Malaysia and the north and east parts of the coastline in Sabah and
Sarawak will experience the highest rise in sea levels when compared to the rest of Malaysia
(Ercan et al, 2012).
By analysing the current trends, it is possible to conclude that the effects of climate
change would lead to the displacement of many people in Malaysia as well as a significant
cost to the nation’s economy. However, in order to identify steps to mitigate and even combat
climate change, we must first identify its causes in Malaysia. Globally, greenhouse gasses
have been identified as a major contributor to climate change and Malaysia is no exception to
this. In Malaysia, the total emissions of greenhouse gasses have been on a rise. This rise is

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 being led by Malaysia’s energy industry at 76% of total emissions followed by waste disposal
and industrial processes at 12% and 6% respectively.
Another contributor to climate change in Malaysia is deforestation. In a 2013 study
among nations that are currently reducing forest cover, Malaysia has the sad distinction as
having the highest rate of forest loss. Urbanisation and the conversion of forest land for
agricultural purposes are seen as the lead causes of deforestation in Malaysia. Malaysia’s
remaining forest land was able to remove approximately 85% of greenhouse gasses in 2011
while crop land was only able to remove greenhouse gasses at approximately 5.3%. This
implies that forest land is much more effective in removing greenhouse gasses when
compared to crop land. As a matter of fact, crop land produced more greenhouse gasses than
it removed in 2011 which indicates that crop land can be considered as a net emitter of
greenhouse gasses. Malaysia has also been a net greenhouse emitter since 1994.

MITIGATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE

The focus on climate change mitigation is to reduce or limit the extent of climate
change by reducing or removing the environmental factors of climate change. A particular
focus is given on reducing greenhouse gasses. Malaysia recognises the effects climate change
have on the country. As such, in the year 2009, the Malaysian government has created the
National Policy on Climate Change with the aim of promoting the efficient use of resources
and environmental conversion. The five principles of this policy are sustainable development,
environment and natural resources conversion, coordinated implementation and effective
participation as well as a common but differentiated responsibilities and respective
capabilities. A New Economic Model was introduced in 2010 by the government to help
Malaysia achieve high development status in a sustainable method. The model was then
translated into the Economic Transformation Programme which has a target to improve the
twelve National Key Economic Areas with those most important to climate change such as
the oil, energy, gas and agriculture industries. A focus is given on palm oil and rubber in the
agriculture industry. The Eleventh Malaysia Plan also places a strategic push on pursuing
green growth for sustainability and resilience.
With regards to sustainable energy production, the Malaysian government has enacted
the Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008 to ensure efficient
management of Malaysia’s electrical energy. Malaysia has also framed the National Green
Technology Policy in 2009 and enacted the Renewable Energy Act 2011 to promote green
energy development in Malaysia. Furthermore, Malaysia enacted the National Biofuel
Industry Act 2007 to promote the development and usage of biofuels with a focus on biofuels
from palm oil/ Malaysia also introduced a requirement that new palm oil mills include the
installation of methane avoidance facilities. Moreover, the Malaysian government introduced
the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
(RSPO) certification schemes to promote sustainability in the palm oil industry.
Malaysia is also a signatory of the Paris Agreement which focuses on greenhouse-gas-
emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance. The Paris Agreement focuses on limiting
global warming to below 2℃. Under this agreement, Malaysia has agreed to maintain a

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 minimum of 50% forest and tree conversion. Malaysia has also committed to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by the year 2030 in relation to Malaysia’s 2005 gross
domestic product. As of 2019, Malaysia has successfully reduced greenhouse gas emissions
by 33% and is confident of its abilities to meet its target of 45% by 2030.

ADAPTATIONS TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Despite having some elements of adaptation in the National Policy on Climate

Change as well as in the Malaysian Plans, they are not as noticeable as those on mitigation.
As such, this has the potential to make Malaysia highly vulnerable to the effects of climate
change (Alam Et Al, 2012). Coastal marine habitat, drought, health, agriculture, forest and
biodiversity as well as flood and erosion were identified as the key areas that require
adaptation back in 2011. However, gaps in adaptation have yet to be addressed. It was
identified in a study that there was an evident lack in participatory planning by the planners to
address the critical needs of the public in relation to hazards. For instance, there are
inadequacies in addressing flooding hazards such as a lack in defining rescue and evacuation
routes as well as reducing the risks of flooding on infrastructure, transportation, housing as
well as on utilities. Nonetheless, it is important to note the positive side on the part of the
planners in which they have successfully identified vulnerable areas for buildings as well as
safe zones for emergencies. They have also been able to identify a natural line of defence in
their planning. The study goes on to suggest that there should be active physical planning
which involves consulting stakeholders in the preparation of local development plans and to
incorporate disaster resilience principles in their planning in order to adapt for climate change
(Khailani & Perera, 2012).

Another focus in climate change adaptation is on paddy planting primarily due to the
fact that rice is a major staple of many Malaysians. Malaysia has classified 8 regions as a
permanent paddy planting area to ensure a sustainable level in the production of rice. A study
concluded that about 73.5% of farmers surveyed were willing to pay to adapt their plantations
for climate change provided that they would benefit from their investment (Al-Amin et al,
2020). The Malaysian government has also initiated several programs to support paddy
farmers. Nonetheless, a study found that 12.1% of respondents were unable to cope with
climate change at the current level of external support that they receive (Alam et al, 2011).

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Climate change is a serious threat to our future. While the topics discussed here
involved suggestions that need to be taken by the government and stakeholders, it is my
belief that every individual has their own role to play in addressing this issue. Simple
practices like carpooling and recycling could have a significant positive impact in combating
climate change should it be practised by everyone. While I am concern about the threat
imposed by climate change, I am also optimistic that in light of the increasing awareness
towards climate change, we would be able to successfully mitigate and adapt towards it.

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 CONCLUSION

Historical data, primarily the rise in mean daily temperature as well as the rise in
mean sea level clearly indicates that climate change is a real issue in Malaysia. While the
Malaysian government has taken certain measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, it
is clear that more initiatives are required to mitigate as well as adapt to climate change.
However, any plans made to mitigate and adapt to climate change must include a discussion
with all stakeholders for it to be truly effective. Failure to address this issue could severely
affect the economy as well as the livelihood of many Malaysians.

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 REFERENCE

Al-Amin, A. Q., Masud, M. M., Sarkar, M. S., Filho, W. L., & Doberstein, B. (2020). Analysing the
socioeconomic and motivational factors affecting the willingness to pay for climate change adaptation
in Malaysia. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 50, 101708.
doi:10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101708

Alam, M. M., Siwar, C., Toriman, M. E., Molla, R. I., & Talib, B. (2011). Climate change induced
adaptation by paddy farmers in Malaysia. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change,
17(2), 173-186. doi:10.1007/s11027-011-9319-5

Alam, M., Siwar, C., Talib, B., Mokhtar, M., & Toriman, M. (2017, March 28). Climate Change Adaptation
Policy in Malaysia: Issues for Agricultural Sector. Retrieved November 21, 2020, from
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2941970

Ercan, A., Mohamad, M. F., & Kavvas, M. L. (2012). The impact of climate change on sea level rise at
Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah-Sarawak [Abstract]. Hydrological Processes, 27(3), 367-377.
doi:10.1002/hyp.9232

Kamaruddin, A., Md Din, A., Pa'suya, M., & Mohd Omar, K. (2017, January 16). Long-term sea level trend
from tidal data in Malaysia. Retrieved November 21, 2020, from
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7813325

Kaur, P. (2015, January 08). Post-flood rebuilding to cost Malaysia $560 million. Post-flood Rebuilding to
Cost Malaysia $560 Million. Retrieved November 21, 2020, from
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/post-flood-rebuilding-to-cost-malaysia-560-million/85953

Khailani, D. K., & Perera, R. (2013). Mainstreaming disaster resilience attributes in local development plans
for the adaptation to climate change induced flooding: A study based on the local plan of Shah Alam
City, Malaysia. Land Use Policy, 30(1), 615-627. doi:10.1016/j.landusepol.2012.05.003

Malaysia to ratify Paris Agreement. (2016, November 11). Malaysia to Ratify Paris Agreement. Retrieved
November 21, 2020, from https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/11/11/msia-to-ratify-paris-
agreement/

Malaysia to review greenhouse gas emissions commitment: Mestecc. (2019, October 01). Malaysia to
Review Greenhouse Gas Emissions Commitment: Mestecc. Retrieved November 21, 2020, from
https://www.thesundaily.my/local/malaysia-to-review-greenhouse-gas-emissions-commitment-
mestecc-XY1436624

National Geographic Society. (2019, March 27). Climate Change. Retrieved November 21, 2020, from
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/climate-change/

Tang, K. H. (2019). Climate change in Malaysia: Trends, contributors, impacts, mitigation and adaptations.
Science of The Total Environment, 650, 1858-1871. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.316

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 APPENDIX 1: SUMMARY OF SOURCES
Topic: Climate Change in Malaysia
No Author (Year) Title Type of url (if Supporting information
referenc any)
es
1 National Geographic Society Climate Change Encyclop National
(2019) aedia Geograp
hic
2 P Prem Kumar Post-flood News https://w
(2015) rebuilding to Portal ww.aa.c
cost Malaysia om.tr
$560 million
3 Kuok Ho Daniel Tang Science of the Journal www.els Volume 650, Part 2, 10
(2019) Total evier.co February 2019, Pages 1858-
Environment m 1871
4 A. H. Kamaruddin, A. H. M. Long-term sea Conferen https://ie 2016 7th IEEE Control and
Din, M. F. Pa'suya and K. M. level trend from ce paper eexplore. System Graduate Research
Omar tidal data in ieee.org Colloquium (ICSGRC), Shah
(2016) Malaysia Alam, 2016, pp. 187-192
5 Ercan, A., Bin Mohamad, M.F. Hydrological Journal wiley.co Volume27, Issue3, 30 January
and Kavvas, M.L. Processes m 2013, Pages 367-377
(2013)

6 (2016) Malaysia to News The Star

ratify Paris Portal
Agreement
7 Bernama Malaysia to News The Sun
(2019) review Portal Daily
greenhouse gas
emissions
commitment:
Mestecc
8 Alam, Md. Mahmudul and African Journal Journal SSRN Vol. 7(9), pp. 1368-1373
Siwar, Chamhuri and Talib, of Agricultural
Basri and Mokhtar, Mazlin and Research
Toriman, Mohd
(2017)
9 Dzul Khaimi Khailani, Ranjith Land Use Policy Journal Elsevier Volume 30, Issue 1, January
Perera 2013, Pages 615-627
(2013)
10 Abul Quasem Al-Amin, International Journal sciencedi Volume 50, November 2020,
Muhammad Mehedi Masud, Journal of rect 101708
Md Sujahangir Kabir Sarkar, Disaster Risk
Walter Leal Filho, Brent Reduction
Doberstein
(2020)
11 Alam, Md. Mahmudul & Mitigation and Journal springer Volume 17, February 2012,
Chamhuri, Siwar & Toriman, Adaptation Pages 173-186
Mohd & Molla, Rafiqul & Strategies for
Abdul Talib, Basri Global Change
(2012)

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