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Climate change is harming young Malaysians’ health and essential services
A UNICEF Malaysia youth survey of 1,420 people found 25.9% reported worsening existing illnesses and 18.0% cited heat-related illnesses.
Young Malaysians say intensifying climate change is increasingly affecting health and day-to-day access to basic services, according to a UNICEF Malaysia youth climate survey highlighted by SCMP Economy.
The National Youth Climate Change Survey 2025, released in July, polled 1,420 young people aged 15 to 30 across Malaysia between June and October 2025. Respondents reported health impacts including worsening existing illnesses, with 25.9% saying conditions had deteriorated, along with skin conditions (19.7%), heat-related illnesses (18.0%), and respiratory problems (14.3%).
More than half of respondents said climate related disasters had disrupted their access to essential services, including information, education, and safe spaces. The outlet said experts warned policymakers must invest not only in cutting emissions but also in adaptation to more frequent heatwaves, floods, and other climate shocks.
SCMP Economy also cited Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, executive director of the Sunway Centre for Planetary Health, who said the findings show the issue has shifted from an environmental concern to a public health challenge.