Malaysia’s NPHAP Requires Decisive Action - MOSTI

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP), which maps Malaysia’s long-term sustainability transition, requires decisive action across five key areas, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

He said the plan provided the strategic direction needed to support Malaysia’s sustainability journey.

“To bring this to life, we must act decisively in five key areas. First, we must strengthen institutional leadership through the National Sustainability Council to align priorities and drive coherent action,” he said in his opening speech at the National Planetary Health Forum here today.

Also present were Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) deputy secretary-general (planning and science enculturation) Datuk Ruziah Shafei, Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) president Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, ASM chief executive officer Hazami Habib and NPHAP chairperson Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail.

Chang said that meaningful measurement of progress was crucial to ensure the plan’s effectiveness.

“Second, we must measure what truly matters by using the Impact Tracking Framework to assess progress across the environment, society, economy and governance.

“Third, we must invest in environmental intelligence through a National Genomic Database and data systems capable of monitoring biodiversity, pollution and health risks in real time,” he said.

Chang added that mindset shifts and redefining progress were equally essential to ensure long-term social and environmental well-being.

“Ultimately, planetary health must become a national conversation, and education is key in shaping mindsets and behaviour towards a culture of sustainability,” he said.

The NPHAP, mandated in 2022 by the National Science Council through MOSTI and developed by ASM, serves as Malaysia’s blueprint for aligning development within planetary boundaries.

Chang said MOSTI remained committed to supporting Malaysia’s sustainability agenda through research and innovation aligned with planetary health.

“Our goal is for new products, technologies and systems to make meaningful contributions to a healthier and more sustainable future,” he said.

Meanwhile,  Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, in his welcome remarks said the NPHAP was designed to move Malaysia beyond incremental improvements toward a more systemic and transformative approach to sustainability.

"NPHAP aims to safeguard communities, protect natural ecosystems and strengthen the country’s long-term economic resilience,” he said.

At the same event, the NPHAP was officially introduced, outlining a comprehensive framework that embeds planetary health principles across governance, education and industry.

The plan adopts a whole-of-nation approach supported by six Key Result Areas, 53 strategies and 222 action plans designed to steer Malaysia toward long-term ecological and societal resilience.

The plan is guided by principles that are humanity-centric, STI-enabled, nature-based, and values-driven, positioning Malaysia as a responsible planetary steward committed to cultivating globally competitive talent for a sustainable future.

-- BERNAMA