KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must move beyond fragmented climate policies and enact a comprehensive climate change bill to address the growing impact of global warming on the nation’s stability, economy and public wellbeing, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said climate change was no longer a matter of debate but a lived reality for Malaysians.
“Floods that arrive faster and recede more slowly, rising temperatures that strain outdoor workers and vulnerable communities, landslides, food supply disruptions, and growing pressure on public health systems are now part of everyday life.
“These are not distant projections. They are present realities that affect national stability, economic performance and social wellbeing," he said when contacted on Sunday (Feb 15).
Lee said Malaysia continues to address climate change through fragmented policies and non-binding commitments, warning that without a binding legal framework, climate action would remain inconsistent and vulnerable to political cycles.
He called for the introduction of a climate change bill to provide legal clarity, long-term direction and accountability.
“Climate change is not confined to one ministry or sector. It affects health, infrastructure, energy, food security, labour, finance, education and national security,” he said.
According to Lee, anchoring climate goals in law would create certainty for businesses, investors, local authorities and communities.
“Such a bill is not about adding bureaucracy. It is about creating certainty,” he said, adding that clear and predictable signals are needed to attract quality investments in renewable energy, green technology, sustainable finance and climate-resilient infrastructure.
He said the proposed legislation must clearly define Malaysia’s national climate commitments, including mitigation and adaptation targets aligned with international obligations.
“These targets must be supported by transparent reporting, regular review and enforceable mechanisms. Accountability should be institutional, not dependent on individual leadership or shifting priorities,” he added.
Lee also stressed that climate change is increasingly a social justice issue, with vulnerable groups bearing the brunt of its impact.
“The new law must prioritise the health, safety and livelihoods of vulnerable groups, including low-income households, indigenous communities, small farmers and outdoor workers exposed to heat and extreme weather,” he said.
He noted that local authorities are often on the front lines of climate impacts but lack consistent guidance and resources.
A strong legal framework, he said, would improve coordination between federal, state and local levels, integrate climate considerations into planning and development, and strengthen disaster preparedness.
Lee added that transparency and public trust must underpin any effective climate policy, calling for mandatory disclosures, accessible data and independent oversight.
“Delaying climate legislation will only increase future costs. Recovery from disasters, healthcare burdens, productivity losses and infrastructure damage far outweigh the cost of early action,” he said.
