Sabah most vulnerable to climate change impact - Climatologist

PENAMPANG: Sabah is most vulnerable to the impact of climate change compared to other states in Malaysia, said climatologist Datuk Dr Ramzah Dambul.

He said this was because Sabah is closer to the Pacific Ocean and the monsoon from mainland Asian countries such as China.

"Sabah is more sensitive to climate change because it is near to the source of the monsoon, El-Nino and La-Nina.

"Other than that, it is also because Sabah is a small island and surrounded by the ocean," he said after handing over retort food #SantapanHeroMeals Sabah at the IDS hall here.

Ramzah, who is also the Institute of Development Studies chief executive officer, said despite knowing the risks of climate change to Sabah, there was very little that can be done to avoid the impact.

"We must remember that climate is a big system, there is no way we can avoid or defy it. If it happens, it happens.

"What we can agree on is 'to dance in the rain'. We can provide awareness and try to understand what the impact of climate change would be, while the government will put efforts in place (based on possible impacts)," he said, adding that a Climate Change Action Council had been set up last year.

Earlier, he said the event which highlights the importance and ready-to-eat retort food during disasters is part of mitigation efforts for the impact of climate change on human beings.

Ramzah added that during flooding or disaster, it was illogical to give dry food such as rice for victims to cook as they could be faced with limited clean water supply and their kitchens might already be ruined.

As part of its corporate social responsibility, IDS facilitates private entities Kembara Kitchen and CIMB foundation and community-based organisation PACOS Trust in making retort food projects in Sabah a success.

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