Sea levels could rise 0.74m in Malaysia by 2100, says Tok Mat

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan warned that rising sea levels could inundate up to 0.74 meters of the country's coastal regions by the year 2100, according to climate models. Speaking at a high-level UN General Assembly meeting on the dangers of sea-level rise, Mohamad emphasized that Malaysia, a maritime and coastal nation, is already experiencing the effects of this phenomenon on its islands and shores.

The foreign minister highlighted that sea-level rise poses significant challenges to Malaysia's development and resilience, particularly in the areas of water security, agriculture, and infrastructure. He noted that coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion. To address these challenges, Malaysia has bolstered its national adaptation efforts through its Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 and the creation of the Malaysia National Adaptation Plan.

However, the minister stressed that developing nations like Malaysia cannot combat climate change independently and urged developed countries to fulfill their commitments on climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building. Such support must be reliable, accessible, and adequate. Mohamad also expressed support for the declaration adopted at the meeting, which prioritizes science, data, and preparedness.

He emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing sea-level rise and stressed that the consensus of the declaration underscores the value of international collaboration. The foreign minister concluded by emphasizing that the next priority is the implementation of the declaration's recommendations.