New govt urged to declare climate emergency

Gabungan Darurat Iklim Malaysia (GDIMY) has urged the new federal government to declare a climate emergency.

In a statement, GDIMY said this was needed urgently to prepare the country for looming environmental collapse due to climate change.

"The people's movement for climate justice seeks meaningful participation in climate governance, in co-creating climate narratives and strategies, implementing national policies and plans built on science, justice, and the wellbeing of everyone living in Malaysia, now and in the future.

"To this end, we offer to work with the government not just by words but through participatory decision-making and impactful action for the nation’s sake," it said.

A climate emergency declaration is a policy statement on prioritising mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

Since 2016, more than 2,100 local governments and 39 countries across the globe have made climate emergency declarations.

GDIMY is a coalition of environmental groups comprising Persatuan Kesedaran dan Keadilan Iklim Malaysia (Kamy), Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka), Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), Alliance of River Three (ART) and Greenpeace Malaysia.

KINIGUIDE | What is a climate emergency and why does it matter?

S'gor govt allocates RM16.1m for flood mitigation projects next year

COMMENT | Asean should take climate change seriously, starting in M'sia

Number of flood evacuees rises in Pahang, Perak but drops in S'gor

Floodwaters recede in several areas in Selangor

Floods: Ismail Sabri orders related agencies to be on alert