Malaysia Asks for U.N. Climate Adaptation Funds

The funds asked are paltry relative to the country’s part on flood mitigation efforts. However, experts state that the plan’s implementation would presumably cost much more.

Since Dec. 18, torrential rain has provoked severe flooding. It killed at least 48 people in eight Malaysian states. Thi spurred calls for the government to enhance its preparedness for extreme weather events.

Ministry Response

In response to queries sent to the Environment and Water Ministry on Dec. 20 on Malaysia’s policy to climate adaptation, Secretary-General Zaini Ujang answered that the ministry would request the GCF funds to help generate a National Adaptation Plan the end of next year.

The plan will concentrate on water, agricultural, and food security, public health, forestry, and infrastructure, Zaini stated in a written response.

He expressed that the ministry also has long-term plans to mandate climate funds. Hence, it will help execute programs addressing the influence of climate change.

Zaini did not give precise details on the adaptation plan or how much the government would require to enforce it.

The GCF funds are the first time the Malaysian government has pursued any money for climate adaptation. Policies that a country sets in place to deal with climate change effects.

Likened to the 9.8 billion ringgit ($2.33 billion), the funds pale for flood mitigation projects such as building water barriers, catchment areas, and deepening rivers that Zaini expressed Malaysia had set aside already.

A draft adaptation plan should investigate the interaction of flooding or droughts on food security and crop yields and the demand for energy-efficient healthcare services with strong communication systems.