by NURUL SUHAIDI / pic source: Tuan Ibrahim FB

THE implementation of the climate change bill is expected to be tabled next year.

Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (picture) said his ministry is targeting to finalise the bill at the end of this year and table it at the beginning of next year.

“The process takes time as it involves manpower, a confirmation process from the Public Service Department and a set of committees at the ministerial level,” he said at the Climate Change Symposium 2022: Direction of Malaysia’s Climate Crisis Response today.

Tuan Ibrahim noted that the bill is generally to strengthen institutions, coordinate actions, monitor progress and streamline data reporting systematically.

“Climate change is a serious issue which has a direct impact on the people as well as the country’s food supply.

“Agricultural activities have deteriorated; therefore, we hope to speed up the implementation of this act,” he said.

In addition to the bill, the Environment and Water Ministry (KASA) is also focusing on mitigating disasters which involve water.

The ministry is allocating RM15 billion “off budget” for a period of eight years from 2023 to 2030 for flood mitigation and solution projects.

The allocation also covers the construction of Sabo structures in critical areas which are severely affected by the northeast monsoon.

“We empathise with the flood victims and among the immediate steps to mitigate the flood issue is through the construction of two Sabo structures in Yan and Baling, Kedah.

“For the long-term measures up to year 2100, KASA estimates an allocation of RM392 billion is needed to overcome the flood problem in Malaysia,” Tuan Ibrahim added.

This cost estimate, among others, includes the main components of flood mitigation and urban drainage of RM230.71 billion as well as coastal infrastructure of RM126.55 billion.

In November, Malaysia will participate in the 2022 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to ensure the country’s contribution to the climate change negotiation process under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.