In Malaysia and elsewhere, governments must get serious on flood control and climate change

After an annus horribilis, what do we all expect in the new year?

2022 will see continuing disruption of our lives by Covid-19, which has caused some 5 million deaths worldwide. However, there is some hope that the pandemic can be brought under control if each of us pledges to follow the advice of scientists and medical experts.

The pandemic teaches us an important lesson. We are part of nature, a vulnerable species, not so different from any other species, many of which man has driven to extinction.

With climate change, caused by our exploitation of the oceans, land and air, we are sowing the seeds of our own extinction. Our new year’s pledge must be to live in harmony with nature and not to destroy it.

I have been profoundly saddened to see that the massive floods in seven states in Malaysia, caused by climate change and human factors, have killed at least 50 people and displaced thousands of others. The floods have also claimed the lives of animals and resulted in the destruction of property. Many people were taken ill and have been traumatised, adding to the untold suffering caused by Covid-19 and overwhelming the health care system.

Around the world, governments should consider formulating a master plan to deal with recurring floods. An independent commission with only professional engineers and experts should study the matter immediately and present recommendations to deal with the next round of floods. If global climate change is not addressed the way it should be, we will see more extreme weather conditions in the years ahead.

My thoughts and prayers are also with the medical personnel and allied workers, from doctors and nurses to the cleaners and providers of essential services who risk their lives to keep us safe. We must be considerate and think of their lives and loved ones as well.

Ang Lai Soon, Sarawak, Malaysia