Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology co-chairman Zakri Abdul Hamid said it was important to have a unified approach in adapting to climate change and the country’s ageing population.

Zakri said it comes down to Malaysian politicians to take the lead in implementing these plans.

“At the end of the day, it is the political leaders who need to initiate action,” he said during a panel discussion on Malaysia’s climate and demographic challenges.

On Dec 14, 2023, natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the government was committed to tackling climate change and that it was focused on achieving its zero-carbon emission target by 2050.

Meanwhile, Hezri Adnan, group sustainability director at Bursa Malaysia, said climate conservation efforts required adequate funding.

He said the private sector could help bridge the financial gap for effective conservation initiatives.

“In the last year or so, there has been an increasing emphasis (by the private sector) on the environment. With this focus on the environment, there is a possibility of bringing about hard conversations on climate adaptation and inclusive development back on the desk.”

He also urged environmentalists to work with those involved in development projects to create effective strategies and policies to address climate change.

Separately, Lee Hwok Aun of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute said the government needed to ensure the welfare of workers in terms of wages and their work environment.

He called for the establishment of minimum work standards and universal rights, especially for gig workers.

“A major issue in Malaysia is the lack of tripartite participation involving government, employers and workers. Of course, the voice that is missing the most from this is the workers,” he said.