Climate change is already disrupting young people’s lives in Malaysia, new UNICEF survey finds

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 July 2026– A new national survey by UNICEF finds that climate-related disasters are already part of daily life for many young people in Malaysia. More than eight in ten respondents, or 83.2 per cent, experienced at least one climate-related disaster in the past year.

Released today, Nurture the Youth, Create the Change report presents findings from the National Youth Climate Change Survey 2025, based on responses from 1,420 young people aged 15 to 30 across Malaysia. The findings show that climate change is already affecting young people’s health, wellbeing and future. Nearly all respondents, or 94.3 per cent, said climate change worries them, while 97.4 per cent of those who had experienced a climate-related disaster reported fear, grief, hopelessness, stress or exhaustion.

“It’s frustrating and concerning how climate change disrupts daily life. Constant heavy rain and floods make me late for school, the journey feels unsafe and stressful. It’s a direct threat to my education and safety,” said a 19-year-old female respondent from Pulau Pinang.

The survey also highlights gaps in support that help young people and their families prepare for, cope with and recover from climate-related disasters. More than half of respondents who experienced a disaster reported lacking access to at least one preparedness or recovery service, including information and support before, during or after climate-related shocks.

“The findings are clear: climate change is not a future threat for young people in Malaysia. It is already affecting their wellbeing, learning and safety, here and now,” said Robert Gass, UNICEF Representative in Malaysia. “While Malaysia strengthens climate adaptation, children and young people must be protected from climate risks, supported by resilient services and included in decisions that will shape the world they inherit.”

The National Youth Climate Change Survey was first conducted in 2020 by UNDP, UNICEF and EcoKnights. Five years later, the 2025 survey provides an updated picture of how young people in Malaysia perceive, experience and respond to climate change. Conducted by UNICEF with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, the survey was carried out between June and October 2025.

The report identifies three priority areas to better protect and support children and young people:

• PROTECT: Strengthen health, wellbeing and safety systems to protect children and young people from climate-related risks and impacts.
• SUPPORT: Ensure essential services, including education, social protection and emergency support, remain accessible during climate disruptions.
• INCLUDE: Give children and young people a meaningful voice in climate planning and decision-making.

The findings from the National Youth Climate Change Survey 2025 provide evidence to inform Malaysia's National Adaptation Plan (MyNAP), disaster risk reduction planning, and health, education and social protection policies.

UNICEF works with partners to ensure children and young people are protected, supported and included in Malaysia’s climate adaptation efforts. This includes strengthening climate smart services, supporting meaningful participation and advancing policies that reflect their needs, rights and priorities.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Link to the National Youth Climate Change Survey 2025: https://www.unicef.org/malaysia/reports/nurture-youth-create-change

The National Youth Climate Change Survey (NYCC) 2025 gathered responses from 1,420 young people aged 15 to 30 across Malaysia between June and October 2025. The survey was conducted by UNICEF Malaysia with support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES). It builds on the inaugural survey conducted in 2020 by UNDP, UNICEF and EcoKnights.