Sabahan children susceptible to effects of climate change, UMS study finds

KOTA KINABALU: More frequent and destructive tropical storms have affected residents in Pulau Gaya here which has seen a rise in infectious diseases, especially among the young.

The "Impact of Climate Change on Children: A Malaysian Perspective (ICCC)" study also found their schooling disrupted while they were affected by limited access to basic services.

The details of the 2021 study were released by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) on Monday (Feb 21), in conjunction with the launch of Unicef and the state Environment Protection Department's Air Quality Monitoring in Schools (Aquams) project.

The ICCC report called on policymakers and key actors from both the public and private sectors, as well as social innovators, to take urgent action on climate change in Malaysia.

The report said there is a need to move towards a child-sensitive climate governance framework as children are currently not recognised as rights holders and crucial stakeholders in environmental laws and policies.

Furthermore, proper monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for intervention programmes related to climate and the environment are needed to ensure that initiatives are aligned across the various sectors.

"Climate change and environmental pollution is arguably the single greatest threat to the realisation of children's rights which continuously undercuts decades of global progress in improving children's welfare," Unicef Malaysia and Brunei representative Dr Rashed Sarwar said.

"Unicef, as the world's biggest organisation advocating for children's rights, will continue to take the lead in safeguarding their right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

"We are happy to partner with UMS and the Environment Protection Department to draw attention to this issue," he said.

UMS deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Assoc Prof Ramzah Dambul said children are consistently being overlooked in the design and content of climate policies amid rising global temperatures.

"So far there is also insufficient attention given to enhance awareness and understanding of the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on the lives of families and children," he said.

The Aquams project aims to establish a citizen science air quality monitoring programme in schools in the state.

Sabah Environment Protection Dept director Vitalis Moduying said the partners hoped to implement a state-wide climate and air quality monitoring system to keep air quality from further deterioration.

"We hope to increase collaboration in technical support, data sharing and the development of a regional action plan on children's environmental health," he said, adding the programme was aimed at raising awareness of air pollution issues as well as environmental issues including waste management and water pollution.

The project will be implemented over a 12-month period and will involve capacity building, engagement with schools and communities, and producing a guidance handbook.