By Alang Bendahara
SHAH ALAM, March 15 — Selangor remains open to working with the Federal government and other states on issues related to climate change.
State executive councillor for environment, climate change and green technology Hee Loy Sian said for the time being, only Selangor has a dedicated committee to address the issue.
“Selangor is the only state that has a standing committee on climate change, no other states have one, even the Federal government did not put the word (climate change) under Kasa (Environment and Water Ministry).
“So we will draft the working paper and hold discussions on how to to help the Federal government and other states to reduce climate change impact,” he told the Selangor State Assembly sitting here today.
Hee was responding to an additional query from Sijangkang assemblyman Dato’ Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi, who saw a need for the state to work together with the Federal government and other states to address climate change issues.
Meanwhile, earlier in his answer to the main question from Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei, the councillor said the newly-formed committee will work with experts on climate change, academicians and the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (Nahrim).
“Strategic actions are needed to strengthen Selangor’s climate change resilience, including mainstreaming climate change as well as integrating adaptation and mitigation responses in a balanced way.
“So, this committee will ensure that all these initiatives focus on strengthening the state’s capacity to reduce the impact of climate change,” he said.
On February 9, the State Executive Council Meeting (MMKN) approved a new portfolio on climate change that is headed by Hee, who is also Kajang assemblyman.
The committee enables the state government to conduct a comprehensive study of related issues and global warming affecting the environment and thus helping to reduce its impact on the lives of the people in Selangor.
