54% Malaysians unprepared for climate risks, according to Zurich Malaysia’s Climate Resilience Survey

Climate Resilience Survey by Zurich Malaysia found that 86% of Malaysians are concerned over climate change impacts, with younger individuals (aged 18-29) showing the highest levels of concerns (up to 90%). Financial constraints are a significant barrier to preparedness for 38% of respondents, with 54% feeling unprepared for climate events such as floods, heatwaves, and landslides.

Zurich Malaysia’s Climate Resilience Survey was launched in support of National Preparedness Month (BKN) 2024, themed “Malaysia Madani, Siaga Bencana”. The survey aims to promote disaster preparedness awareness through collaboration between local communities and the government.

Junior Cho, Country CEO/Head of Zurich Malaysia, said, “Our Climate Resilience Survey aims to gain a deeper understanding of the public's current perceptions, preparedness, and experiences with climate change impacts. By understanding the community’s perception of climate risks and their preparedness levels, we can develop tailored strategies to strengthen climate resilience, enhance local adaptation efforts, and promote sustainable practices across diverse urban settings.”

Awareness and concerns are high, but greater support required
Overall, 53% of Malaysians are very concerned about climate change impacts on future generations. However, this level of heavy concern decreases with age, from 56% in the 18-29 group to 25% in the 65 and above group. This indicates a greater focus on climate education and engagement among younger Malaysians, who are more likely to face the longer-term consequences of increasing climate events.

Floods (75%), heatwaves (74%), and landslides (70%) are the top worries, with urban infrastructure risks (e.g., fallen trees, sinkholes) becoming an emerging concern (67%), following recent cases in urban downtown Kuala Lumpur. Similar age patterns are observed, with overall concerns decreasing as age increases.

In the past 12 months, almost a third of respondents (32%) reported being directly impacted by severe climate events, with 38% citing their families as victims. On the community front, 58% reported that their local communities were most affected by severe climate events, indicating a concern for climate events that extend beyond individual experiences.

The survey found an inverse correlation between monthly household income levels and preparedness. 49% of B40 respondents reported having sufficient provisions, savings, evacuation plans, and emergency support for their households against potential climate events. However, this decreases to 44% for M40 households and 39% for T20 households. This suggests that higher-income households may have higher expectations for preparedness, resulting in a perception of being less ready or prepared.

The survey also indicates strong support and adoption of sustainable practices by Malaysians, who are taking the initiative towards a greener lifestyle. They prioritise sustainable waste management (63%), purchase eco-friendly products (60%), and reduce energy usage (60%). These trends suggest an emphasis on tangible, everyday actions that can be easily integrated into daily life.

Building on from existing sustainability commitments
Zurich Malaysia’s Climate Resilience Survey builds on the Urban Climate Resilience Program (UCRP) launched by the Z Zurich Foundation to support urban communities in nine countries across the globe. The UCRP expands on Z Zurich Foundation’s ongoing climate change work with the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance, which has primarily focused on rural environments, by extending its efforts into urban spaces and populations.

Zurich Malaysia successfully rolled out the UCRP locally, kicking off in November 2023 with Kampung Morten and Pantai Peringgit in Melaka, through a multipartite collaboration between Zurich Malaysia, Z Zurich Foundation, the Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities), as well as the Historic City Council of Melaka (MBMB). In March 2024, Zurich Malaysia and Z Zurich Foundation collaborated with C40 Cities and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to expand the UCRP in the capital, to PPR Beringin and Kampung Pasir.

Earlier this year, the 2024 Global Risks Report – presented by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in collaboration with Marsh McLennan and Zurich Insurance – found that two-thirds of respondents ranked extreme weather as a top risk. Findings from Zurich Malaysia’s Climate Resilience Survey align with these global realities and will be leveraged to further strengthen community resilience against climate events, as part of Zurich Malaysia’s ongoing mission to care for what matters most to our planet’s wellbeing.

Zurich Malaysia’s Climate Resilience Survey was conducted in September 2024, with 1,100 Malaysians taking part in the study. For further insights into Zurich Malaysia's holistic approach to building a brighter tomorrow, please visit www.zurich.com.my/CareForWhatMatters.