KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 15): The Climate Change Act will be delayed as more discussions are necessary. Datuk Seri Johari Ghani, the acting minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, shared this at the first Climate Adaptation and Resilience Conference 2025. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to understand the act before it moves forward.
Initially, this act, known as the Climate Change Bill or Rang Undang-Undang Perubahan Iklim Negara (Ruupin), was set to be presented in Parliament after Budget 2026. This bill aims to create a legal backbone for tackling climate change in Malaysia.
Johari explained that Ruupin will include laws for both climate mitigation and adaptation. He believes it will help foster a domestic carbon market and support Malaysia’s targets for net-zero emissions.
A crucial part of the plan involves the National Adaptation Plan (MyNAP), currently in development with completion aimed for 2026. This plan will focus on strategies to help the country brace for climate impacts, covering areas like public health, water resources, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Over 100 stakeholders from various sectors are involved in MyNAP’s development, ensuring a comprehensive approach. Johari highlighted that adaptation measures must be realistic and that funding is key. Unlike renewable energy, which attracts private investment, adaptation projects often struggle to secure financing.
Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia, noted that public funds alone cannot close the adaptation financing gap. He urged for attractive investment opportunities in climate adaptation, stating that for every ringgit invested, returns could be two to ten times that in avoided losses.
The stakes are high; failure to adapt could cost Malaysia’s economy significantly. Under a warming scenario of 3.2°C, economic contraction could reach 46% by 2048.
The conference showcased insights from experts on various subjects, including climate science and financing challenges. Professor Joy Pereira from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stressed the importance of local adaptation efforts.
Yogi Chellappan from ThinkCity shared solutions being implemented in Penang, such as greening roofs and engaging the community in climate assessments. Similar initiatives are also taking shape in cities like Shah Alam and Kuala Kangsar.
As we face urgent climate challenges, these discussions and plans highlight the crucial need for cooperation and innovative funding in Malaysia’s climate response. For further details, you can explore the UNEP’s resources on climate adaptation.
