KUALA LUMPUR, 23 October 2024 – 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 https://www.zurich.com.my/.
