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

Sea levels along Malaysia’s coastline could rise by as much as 0.74m by 2100, according to climate projections cited by foreign minister Mohamad Hasan.

Speaking at a high-level plenary meeting on the existential threats posed by sea-level rise at the 81st United Nations General Assembly here, Mohamad said the effects were already being felt across islands and coastal regions.

“For Malaysia, a maritime and coastal nation, sea-level rise is a growing development and resilience challenge.

“These risks have direct implications on our water security, agriculture and infrastructure. Coastal communities are also increasingly exposed to flooding, erosion and saltwater intrusion,” he said.

Mohamad said Malaysia was strengthening its national adaptation efforts through its Nationally Determined Contribution 3.0 and the development of the Malaysia National Adaptation Plan.

However, he stressed that developing countries such as Malaysia could not address climate change alone, and called on developed countries to fulfil their commitments on climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building.

“Such support must be predictable, accessible and adequate,” he said.

Mohamad also said that Malaysia welcomed the declaration adopted at the meeting, saying its emphasis on science, data and preparedness reflected the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing sea-level rise.

“The consensus of this declaration demonstrates the value of multilateralism. Our priority now is towards its implementation,” he said.