Country needs to be ready for effects of climate change, says social activist

SIBU: The country needs to be ready to face more catastrophes that climate change will bring, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

"We are now experiencing climate change. We can expect more natural disasters to happen and need to be ready for that," said the social activist.

Speaking at the submission of nine copies of his biography, “Call Lee Lam Thye - Recalling a Lifetime of Service”, to Pustaka Negeri Sibu Jaya on Monday (May 15), Lee said although the state and federal governments played a key role in environmental conservation work as they have big allocations, the community and the private sector at large can chip in to help.

"The private sector should not ignore their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to assist, including helping the community and the people who need help," he added.

Lee also touched on the country's development that now relies on the commitment of its leaders.

"We can make Malaysia better but politicians need to set a good example," he said, without commenting further.

Lee added that he had completely retired from politics and would not touch on the matter.

Lee was a four-time Kuala Lumpur MP and an assemblyman for two terms from 1969 onwards.

As a social activist, Lee also wants more people to engage in volunteer work, especially in helping the less fortunate.

Pustaka Negeri Sarawak Sibu regional manager Fairul Banchit, in thanking Lee for the books, said they would now be able to add to their extensive range of materials, thus allowing "us to expand our collections and give our community greater learning opportunities."