How Climate Change is Transforming Our Rural Community: Insights and Solutions

By: Datin Sri Prof. Dr. Suhaiza Hanim Dato Mohamad Zailani

Climate change is hitting Malaysia hard, especially in rural and coastal areas. Regions like Kelantan and Pahang face unpredictable weather, leading to floods that disrupt farming and worsen poverty for many residents.

Experts urge Malaysia to boost its climate plans. They believe the nation can learn from countries that have successfully tackled these issues, aiming to prevent widening social inequality.

Climate Change Exacerbating Poverty

The impact of climate change is particularly severe on the Bottom 40% (B40) of Malaysia’s population. According to a 2023 study by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), communities in Sabah, Sarawak, and the East Coast largely depend on agriculture and fishing, making them more vulnerable to climate-related shocks.

Unpredictable weather patterns often lead to droughts and flooding, threatening food security and livelihoods. This situation creates a damaging cycle where environmental instability fuels economic hardship.

Dr. Nur Adilah, an environmental economist at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, points out that these challenges drive families to cities, which often lack the infrastructure for such rapid growth. This migration leads to overcrowding and increased poverty in urban areas.

Learning from Others

Bangladesh and the Netherlands provide useful models for Malaysia. Bangladesh frequently deals with floods and has implemented community-led early warning systems and floating gardens to manage resource loss. Meanwhile, the Netherlands has built extensive flood protection systems, like the Delta Works, to mitigate its unique coastal challenges.

Though Malaysia’s coastal issues differ, adopting similar sustainable practices could improve its resilience against flooding. Both countries focus on long-term climate risk strategies that engage local communities.

Dr. Shahrul Hisham, a climate policy analyst, notes that Malaysia often opts for short-term, reactive measures rather than sustainable, community-focused solutions to adapt.

Building Resilience

To enhance resilience, Malaysia needs a well-rounded strategy. This involves better community involvement, sustainable resource management, and investments in infrastructure. Improvements in flood control systems can help protect vulnerable populations from displacement.

Diversifying rural incomes is also key. Encouraging alternative livelihoods like ecotourism or aquaculture can reduce reliance on vulnerable agricultural and fishing sectors, offering residents more financial options without migrating to overcrowded cities.

Access to decentralized renewable energy, like solar power, can also help rural communities. These systems could support essential agricultural tasks and build financial security even during climate disturbances. India’s solar irrigation systems have shown that such solutions can maintain farming productivity during dry spells.

Community-level education on climate adaptation is crucial. Adopting strategies similar to Bangladesh’s disaster preparedness programs could empower residents, making them more prepared for climatic events.

Providing financial safety nets is essential for vulnerable households. Emergency funding and subsidized crop insurance can speed recovery from disasters and mitigate the long-term socioeconomic effects of climate shocks.

Developing a Unified Approach

While Malaysia’s National Climate Change Adaptation Plan offers a structure, actual coordination and execution often falter. Establishing a Climate Adaptation Fund could support marginalized areas, providing continuous assistance to vulnerable communities.

Improving data collection is vital for making climate adaptation inclusive and effective. By learning from Japan’s extensive data systems, Malaysia can better identify and address poverty and vulnerability across regions.

Bridging Policy and Practice

The prime minister has reiterated the government’s commitment to help climate-affected areas, but many argue that it’s not enough. Effective adaptation requires collaboration between governments and communities, along with increased public awareness. Dr. Shahrul Hisham emphasizes, “Bridging the gap between policy and practice” is crucial for real impact.

By adopting a cohesive and proactive climate strategy informed by global best practices, Malaysia can tackle environmental challenges while reducing social inequality. This path will ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for its most vulnerable communities.

— The author is the Director of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya

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