Kuala Nerus: The hosting of the two-day ASEAN Workshop on Sea Level Rise 2025 is proof of Malaysia's continued commitment to adapting to climate change at the Southeast Asian level. Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) deputy secretary-general (Environmental Sustainability) Datuk Nor Yahati Awang said the workshop, which began today and themed 'ASEAN's Response To Rising Seas: A New Chapter in Climate Adaptation', is one of the initiatives carried out by Malaysia as the Chair of ASEAN 2025.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the workshop, held in Kuala Nerus, is attended by about 100 participants from various backgrounds, including policymakers, experts, researchers, and climate practitioners from ASEAN member countries. Datuk Nor Yahati Awang stated that Malaysia is honoured to host this workshop in conjunction with its ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, emphasizing that the chairmanship represents a regional responsibility in tackling cross-border environmental challenges, rather than merely a symbolic position.
Nor Yahati highlighted that as the Chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia has prioritized environmental sustainability as a fundamental aspect of ASEAN's collective future. She stressed the necessity for ASEAN countries to collaborate in addressing the threat of rising sea levels, which could potentially impact millions of people in the region. Nor Yahati emphasized that while the issue poses a common challenge, it also presents an opportunity to collaboratively build a safer and more resilient ASEAN future through strong policies, innovative solutions, and regional collaboration.
In addition to the NRES, the workshop is a collaborative effort involving the Yayasan Penyelidikan Antartika Sultan Mizan (YPASM), National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), National Antarctic Research Centre (NARC), and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). The workshop's objectives include providing a comprehensive understanding of the scientific mechanisms contributing to rising sea levels, offering insights into the challenges faced, and laying the groundwork for future research and policy implementation among ASEAN countries.