Malaysians adapting to climate change after experiencing its impact
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians are paying more to adapt to climate change. Apart from investing in cooling and air-cleaning appliances, some are bearing the additional burden of insuring their homes and vehicles against natural disasters.
For Nik Nurzakiah Hamdan, 41, of Pasir Mas, Kelantan, repeated flooding has turned what was once viewed as an exceptional expense into an annual concern.
“After a major flood a few years ago, we spent almost RM20,000 repairing the house because of water damage to the kitchen cabinets, wiring, doors and most of our furniture,” she said.
“We thought it was something that might happen once in many years, but we are now prepared for it every monsoon season.”
Nik Nurzakiah said the experience also changed how she viewed insurance.
“I used to think insurance was another monthly expense that I could do without.
“After losing so much, you realise paying a little more every year may be better than having to look for RM10,000 or RM20,000 for repairs,” she added.
Shopkeeper Abdul Aziz Abdul Karim, 73, from Temerloh, Pahang, said frequent flooding results not only in repair costs but also losses in stock and income.
“Cartons of drinks, rice, flour, canned food and other goods were damaged. I still had to pay to clean the shop, repair the refrigerator and replace damaged shelves,” he said.
He now stores expensive stock on higher shelves and pallets while reducing his inventory during the rainy season.
Abdul Aziz previously focused on fire and burglary insurance but has since included flood coverage.
“Flood coverage becomes very important once you have experienced it yourself. Even when insurance pays for part of the loss, there are still things you have to pay for out of your own pocket,” he said.
For Shah Alam resident Azuan Jufri, 39, a flash flood left him with a vehicle repair bill running into several thousand ringgit.
“That was when I learnt that having comprehensive motor insurance does not automatically mean every flood-related loss is covered.
“When I renewed my insurance, I made sure I understood the special perils coverage instead of just choosing the cheapest premium,” he said.
As for cafe owner Zureena Ahmad Zaki, 37, in Kuala Lumpur, prolonged hot weather and haze means running the air-conditioning for longer periods and investing in air purifiers.
“We bought two air purifiers for the cafe and another smaller unit for the office. Filters have to be replaced, so that becomes another recurring expense,” she said.
She added that air purifiers felt like an optional purchase several years ago, but they are now part of the cafe’s operating costs owing to the heat and haze.
For homeowner Safiah Qayum, 53, from Ampang, prolonged rain and slope failure has brought on a different set of expenses.
“We installed additional drains and regularly pay someone to clear leaves and debris because you don’t want water collecting near the slope,” she said after part of a slope behind her home collapsed.
Safiah said slope failure had also prompted her to scrutinise her home insurance more closely.
“You start reading the exclusions and asking whether landslip, subsidence or other damage needs additional coverage.
“It makes owning a house in a higher-risk area more expensive than one may realise,” she added.
