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“HUJAN berpohon, panas berasal,” everything has its roots. This Malay proverb serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of natural phenomena, which holds particular relevance as Malaysia grapples with a severe heatwave.
The scorching temperatures have brought about a myriad of consequences, ranging from tragic loss of life to significant disruptions in essential services.
The impact on the nation’s water supply, energy consumption, as well as agriculture and education sectors, has been far-reaching, exposing a critical gap in Malaysia’s disaster management preparedness. In response to the escalating crisis, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hinted at the possibility of declaring a state of emergency.
While Malaysia has made commendable efforts in disaster management, particularly in dealing with floods and other natural disasters, heatwaves have received comparatively less attention.
The country’s vulnerability to heatwaves is exacerbated by the effects of climate change, which further intensify the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Therefore, it is imperative to assess the readiness of Malaysia’s disaster management system in dealing with heatwaves and identify the gaps that need urgent attention.
Understanding heatwaves in Malaysia
A heatwave, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), is defined as a period when the maximum daily temperature remains at or above 37°C for three consecutive days. Nadma can declare an emergency when the temperature rises to 40°C.
Typically occurring towards the end of the Northeast Monsoon season, specifically in March and April, these heatwaves disproportionately affect states such as Perlis, Kedah, Penang, northern Perak, Kelantan, northern Terengganu, and Pahang.
The repercussions of these intense temperature events encompass a range of consequences, including haze, drought, forest fires, depletion of dam water, and an increased risk of heatstroke.
A heatwave is considered as a climate-induced natural hazard in the Climate Risk Country Profiles report by the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank. Malaysia, known for its consistently high temperatures, already experiences an average maximum daily temperature of around 33°C.
However, the report emphasises that the future scenario is worrisome. If greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate, Malaysia is projected to face a significant increase in heatwave occurrences.
Currently, the chances of a heatwave are relatively low, at approximately 2%. However, under the current emissions pathway, the likelihood of heatwaves dramatically rises to 93% by the 2090s.
The temperature variability in Malaysia is influenced by factors like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which leads to periods of warmer weather. Malaysia’s Second Biennial Update Report reveals an increase in surface temperatures across the country from 1970 to 2013.
During this period, the surface mean temperature rose by 0.14°C to 0.25°C per decade, with maximum daily temperatures and minimum daily temperatures also showing an upward trend. In other words, heatwaves are not solely natural occurrences but are also exacerbated by human activities that contribute to climate change.
Considering the vulnerability of Malaysia to climate change impacts, as indicated by its ranking of 42nd out of 181 countries in the 2020 ND-GAIN Index, which assesses a country’s vulnerability to climate change, it is crucial to clearly recognise heatwaves as a climate-induced natural hazard.
Comparative analysis: heatwave disaster management v flood management systems
Flooding is a pervasive and devastating natural disaster that has had profound impacts on Malaysia, resulting in loss of lives and significant economic costs. Accordingly, our country has implemented comprehensive and proactive measures to address the challenges posed by flooding.
In a remarkable display of commitment, the government introduced a groundbreaking flood mitigation plan, allocating a staggering RM15 billion as part of Budget 2023 last year.
This substantial investment signifies our nation’s determination to combat the long-standing issue of flooding while grappling with the exacerbating effects of climate change.
Flooding holds a prominent position among the natural disasters that capture considerable attention in Malaysia. The urgency to address this issue was exemplified by the establishment of Nadma, which was a direct response to the devastating floods experienced in December 2014.
Undoubtedly, flood management remains a critical focus for policymakers and authorities. However, an evident disparity arises when comparing the level of attention given to flood management versus heatwave management.
In a document on Nadma’s role available on the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre’s website, heatwave is regrettably not listed as one of the national focal points for disaster management.
This disparity raises important questions about the existing approach to disaster management and the level of preparedness for heatwave events. While flooding poses significant risks, the growing concern over heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change, necessitates an equal focus as well as proactive measures.
In addition, the NSC Directive No. 20, which serves as Malaysia’s primary document for disaster management, does not currently include heatwaves and other climate-induced natural hazards as recognised natural disasters.
The document specifically defines natural disasters as “flood, storm, drought, shore erosion, landslide, or any other disaster caused by strong wind and heavy rain”. However, it is worth noting that heatwave events are increasingly becoming more severe and align with the definition of a disaster outlined in the document.
Since the NSC Directive No. 20 was last updated in 2012, it is essential to review and revise the document to incorporate the new challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, it is crucial for the directive to be easily accessible on Nadma’s official website.
Presently, members of the public seeking to read the directive can only locate it on unrelated websites, which poses a challenge to accessibility and reliability. By doing so, the country can effectively prepare for and respond to these emerging threats.
However, while there may be gaps in the overall disaster management framework, it is worth noting that specific guidelines addressing heatwave management have been released by relevant authorities in Malaysia.
The health and education ministries have taken steps to address the health effects of heatwaves and implement measures to safeguard the well-being of the population, particularly within school settings.
These guidelines aim to mitigate the impact of heatwaves on individuals, provide appropriate medical advice, and establish protocols for managing heat-related risks in educational institutions.
Recognising the urgency: bridging the gap in heatwave management in Malaysia
Scientists’ early warnings about the El Nino event earlier this year raise concerns over whether policymakers have implemented the necessary policies and mechanisms to adequately prepare for heatwaves.
Unlike flooding, which primarily affects specific vulnerable communities, heatwaves have a widespread impact. The lack of attention given to heatwaves itself poses a significant problem.
Enhancing openness in sharing information about the number of individuals impacted and the accompanying strategies for each temperature level is crucial. This transparency enables the public to effectively prepare, respond, and be aware of potential risks during emergencies.
Access to such plans builds trust, and encourages community engagement in disaster management endeavours. Additionally, we urge policymakers to develop a more comprehensive plan to address heatwaves, as they are no longer isolated incidents but occur more frequently than commonly perceived.
The same level of attention and energy devoted to dealing with flooding should be dedicated to tackling heatwaves.
Time is of the essence. As the frequency and severity of heatwaves continue to rise, Malaysia must act swiftly and decisively to address the heatwave disaster management gap.
By recognising the interconnected nature of natural hazards, investing in climate resilience, and prioritising the well-being of its citizens, Malaysia can pave the way towards a more resilient and adaptive future. – The Vibes, May 20, 2023
Nur Sakinah Alzian is a research fellow at the Social and Economic Research Initiative (Seri). Seri is a non-partisan think-tank dedicated to the promotion of evidence-based policies that address issues of inequality. Visit www.seri.my or email hello@seri.my for more information