Malaysia Launches the Lancet Countdown 2024 Report: A Call to Action on Climate Change, Food Security, and Health 

The Malaysia Launch of the Lancet Countdown 2024 Report and the Malaysia Policy Priorities 2024 was successfully held recently at the Grand Hall of the University of Cyberjaya. This prestigious event brought together prominent national and international experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address the pressing intersection of climate change, food security, and public health in Malaysia. 

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, Chancellor of the University of Cyberjaya and former Director General of Health Malaysia, officiated the event and delivered the keynote address. His remarks emphasised the critical need for collaboration across sectors to mitigate the impacts of climate change on health and to adapt strategies for long-term resilience. 

The event, co-organised by the University of Cyberjaya (UoC), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), and the Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA), in partnership with the Lancet Countdown, highlighted Malaysia’s growing commitment to integrating climate action into health and food security frameworks. 

“The Lancet Countdown 2024 Report makes clear the profound link between climate change and public health,” said Professor Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri bin Ibrahim, Vice-Chancellor of UMT. “UMT is proud to play a central role in developing actionable research and policies that address these critical challenges.” 

A Strategic MOU Based on Three Pillars 
The event featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among UoC, UMT, and CMA, underscoring their joint commitment to addressing climate change, food security, and health. The MOU outlines a shared vision for collaboration in climate change mitigation and adaptation, enhanced food security, and improved public health outcomes in Malaysia. 

Professor Dr. Francois Therin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise of UoC, expressed the importance of the partnership: “This collaboration reflects the urgent need to unify efforts in research, education, and community engagement to combat the dual threats of climate change and health crises.” 

Commonwealth Medical Association’s Advocacy Role 
Representing CMA at the event, Dr. Muruga Raj Rajathurai, the immediate past president, reaffirmed the association’s dedication to global health equity and climate resilience. Dr. Muruga Raj emphasised CMA’s longstanding commitment to addressing the complex interplay between climate change and public health across the 54 Commonwealth nations. 

“CMA is proud to partner in this initiative for the second consecutive year, which exemplifies the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration to achieve sustainable health outcomes,” Dr. Muruga Raj stated. “The Lancet Countdown provides a vital framework to ensure that health remains at the centre of climate policy and action.” 

Tailored Policy Priorities for Malaysia 

The Lancet Countdown Climate and Health Policy Priorities for Malaysia 2024 launched today outlines a strategic roadmap for addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and health. Grounded in evidence and developed by national experts, these priorities offer actionable solutions to safeguard public health and socioeconomic stability in the face of rising environmental threats. 

The priorities emphasise: 

• Protecting vulnerable groups from heatwaves by implementing heatwave mitigation plans, enhancing emergency response systems, and investing in resilient healthcare infrastructure and social services. 

• Ensuring worker safety and economic productivity by enforcing mandatory heat safety protocols, introducing flexible working conditions during heatwaves, and reallocating fossil fuel subsidies to fund these measures. 

• Redirecting harmful financial flows by reducing fossil fuel subsidies and reinvesting in healthcare, renewable energy, and climate adaptation projects, aligning economic policies with health equity and sustainability goals. 

“Malaysia faces unprecedented health and economic risks from climate change,” stated Professor Dr. Meisam Tabatabaei, lead collaborator of the Lancet Countdown in Malaysia and lead author of the policy priorities. “The Lancet Countdown Climate and Health Policy Priorities for Malaysia 2024 are a call to action for the nation to adopt innovative, science-based strategies that mitigate climate impacts while improving the health and well-being of its people.” 

These priorities underscore the importance of integrating health into Malaysia’s climate policies and ensuring that adaptation measures address the unique challenges faced by local communities, industries, and vulnerable populations. 

Professor Dr. Muhammad Ikhwanuddin bin Abdullah, Director of the Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP) from UMT, and a contributor to the Lancet Countdown Climate and Health Policy Priorities for Malaysia 2024 stated “As Malaysia continues to confront the multifaceted challenges of climate change, food security, and public health, today’s event underscored the nation’s steadfast dedication to leading in sustainable health, climate policies, and enhanced food security, ensuring a resilient and equitable future for all.” 

Looking Ahead 
The launch concluded with a cultural performance by students from the University of Cyberjaya, symbolising the commitment of the younger generation to a sustainable future.