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Climate change may cut yields, livestock and fisheries output in Malaysia
Malaysia’s livestock and fisheries sector are at risk of declining production due to the impacts of climate change
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (MNTV) – Malaysia’s livestock and fisheries sector are at risk of declining production due to the impacts of climate change, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, reports New Straits Times.
Citing the Fourth National Communication (NC4) Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), he said that climate impacts such as drought, rising temperatures and saltwater intrusion are expected to affect national food production by 2030 and in subsequent years if no adaptation measures are taken.
“Yield projections by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), based on climate change scenarios in the country’s main padi granary areas, indicate that padi yields risk declining by up to 30 percent in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (MADA) area,” Mohamad said in a written parliamentary reply.
He also said that padi yields in the Kemubu Agricultural Development Authority (KADA) area are at risk of a 39 pc decline, and 25 pc in the Integrated Agricultural Development Area (IADA) of Northwest Selangor by the end of this century.
He added that climate change may affect livestock and the targeted Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) of 50 pc for beef and 100 pc for fresh milk by 2030.
“Heat stress on animals due to rising global temperatures is expected to reduce productivity and reproductive efficiency, while also increasing the spread of waterborne and parasitic diseases,” he added.
The minister also said that the fisheries sector may see reduced catch yields and aquaculture output due to coral bleaching and algae blooms. “These effects are projected to result in a 5 pc decline in fish landings and a 20 pc reduction in aquaculture production by 2030,” he said.
Nonetheless, Putrajaya has introduced several key initiatives to mitigate climate risks, including the Padi Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP), which protects 60,000 small-scale farmers.
It has also activated the Padi Crop Disaster Fund (TBTP) to provide immediate assistance for losses caused by natural disasters, diseases or pests.
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