IPOH: Environmental management can no longer be treated as a peripheral issue in the era of climate change, but must instead be addressed through strategic and forward-looking solutions to safeguard public safety and survival.
The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, stressed that the urgency of addressing environmental challenges has grown as Malaysia faces the emerging phenomenon of hydroclimatic whiplash, a rapid shift from prolonged dry spells to severe flooding within short periods.
“This situation places immense strain on the resilience of existing infrastructure, which is increasingly unable to withstand the impact of unpredictable disasters. Therefore, proactive flood mitigation measures must be prioritised to ensure the safety and survival of the people,” he said.
His Royal Highness noted that ongoing flood mitigation projects and targeted river maintenance efforts have yielded positive results, with flood hotspots in Perak reduced from 332 locations in 2024 to 280 in 2025.
Sultan Nazrin said this when delivering the Royal Address at the Official Opening of the Fourth Year of the Fifteenth State Legislative Assembly at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building today.
Beyond enforcement, His Royal Highness emphasised that lasting solutions to environmental issues require a fundamental shift in mindset, moving from control to responsibility, from exploitation to stewardship, and from human arrogance to humility as part of the natural world.
“A negligent attitude towards environmental management will lead to escalating disaster recovery costs, ultimately placing heavier financial burdens on both the state and the nation,” he warned.
The Sultan also highlighted the importance of nurturing an environmentally conscious generation.
He commended initiatives such as the Green Shoots School Programme in Perak, which promotes sustainable practices among students and helps shape a culture of environmental responsibility from a young age.
Under the programme’s first phase, 125 schools collectively reduced 185.61 tonnes of plastic waste, cutting more than 629,973 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions.
“Children must be educated to understand the importance of recycling, the role of forests as water catchment areas, and the protective function of mangrove ecosystems against erosion and storms,” His Majesty said.
He concluded that a holistic and inclusive approach, combining policy, education, and community awareness, is essential to ensuring environmental sustainability in the face of a rapidly changing global climate.
— BERNAMA
