Polar ice caps are as far away from equatorial Malaysia as they can get.
But the interconnectedness of the Earth’s climate system means that changes in one region can have far-reaching consequences in others.
As the Earth’s climate warms, sea-level rise is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades.
By the mid-2090s the sea level could be 25.6 centimetres higher than it is today.
Countries on the equator are especially vulnerable. The ocean expands due to the increased temperature of the water and this is more pronounced in warmer equatorial waters.
Malaysia sits on the equator and has low-lying coastal areas. This makes it and other countries in Southeast Asia more susceptible to flooding as sea levels rise.
Even small increases in sea level can have significant impacts on coastal communities and infrastructure.
Malaysia’s coastal regions are home to diverse and fragile ecosystems, such as mangroves, coral reefs and estuaries. These environments are not only valuable for their biodiversity but also provide coastal protection, carbon sequestration and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
However, the projected rise in sea levels, coupled with the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, poses a significant threat.
Malaysian Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said earlier this year: “It is expected that with the rise in sea levels, 111 towns and cities across the peninsula in Malaysia, particularly Penang, Selangor, Johor, Kedah, Melaka and Terengganu, will be affected”.
Malaysia’s urban areas – which are home to around 70 per cent of the population –such as Malacca, Penang, Johor and the capital Kuala Lumpur, frequently experience extreme storms with heavy rainfall that can cause flash flooding.
This study by the Monash Climate Change Communication Research Hub Malaysia node found 70 per cent of Malaysians have experienced floods.
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Malaysia’s urban areas – which are home to around 70 per cent of the population – such as Malacca, Penang, Johor and the capital Kuala Lumpur, frequently experience extreme storms with heavy rainfall that can cause flash flooding.
In Sabah and Sarawak, sea-level rise has a huge impact on local communities. Research suggests that the coastal communities in Sabah lack the know-how to manage the use of their coastal resources sustainably. This implies that formulating adaptation strategies requires attention in this region.
