Kuala lumpur: The government must adopt an urgent whole-of-nation approach to tackle the escalating climate change crisis, which now poses an immediate threat to Malaysia's food security, lives, and national resilience. Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye emphasized the necessity for this comprehensive strategy in light of the increasing frequency of severe floods, extreme heat, droughts, and haze.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lee highlighted that the climate change crisis has evolved from a distant environmental concern to an immediate threat impacting various aspects of Malaysian society. He noted that the country is already experiencing more frequent and severe climate-related events, underscoring the need for a proactive rather than reactive response to disasters.

Lee outlined the components of a whole-of-nation framework, which must integrate climate policy, disaster preparedness, food security, public health, water management, infrastructure, and community safety. He particularly emphasized food security as a major vulnerability, warning that climate shocks could disrupt domestic production of rice, vegetables, livestock, and fisheries.

"Food security deserves particular attention. Climate shocks can disrupt our rice, vegetable, livestock, and fisheries production. We must invest urgently in climate-resilient agriculture, efficient water management, food storage, and stronger domestic food production," Lee stated.

He further advocated for mandatory climate risk assessments on all major infrastructure and development projects, alongside enhanced protections for natural defenses such as forests, wetlands, and mangroves against environmental threats.

Lee concluded by stressing that addressing the climate crisis requires collective action beyond government intervention, involving businesses, communities, and individuals. He warned, "We must act before climate disasters become climate catastrophes. The cost of prevention and preparedness will always be lower than the cost of losing lives, livelihoods, and our food security."