Key facts
- Source
- thestar.com.my
- Publication date
- 2026-08-05
- Location
- Malaysia (Raub, Pahang; Cheras; Kuala Lumpur)
- Interviewees
- Azatul Afzan Mat Dui (admin executive, early 30s), R. Priya (marketing executive, 26), Matthew Chan (student, 23)
- Key adaptation
- Flood-friendly home renovations, metal furniture, emergency bags, higher-ground housing preference
Background
PETALING JAYA: Young Malaysians are adapting to a new reality where extreme weather events are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, according to a report by thestar.com.my. Their responses range from changing furniture types to rethinking daily habits and where they choose to live.
Administrative executive Azatul Afzan Mat Dui, in her early 30s, has dealt with recurring floods for years in her hometown of Raub, Pahang. Since 2020, floods have become a regular occurrence there, prompting her to make practical adjustments to minimise damage.
Marketing executive R. Priya, 26, from Cheras, has not personally experienced flooding but has become more mindful of resource management and preparing for disruptions, particularly during extreme heat.
Current situation
Azatul said her family renovated their house to make it more flood-friendly. They installed higher shelves to keep belongings above water level, stopped buying wooden furniture, and now use metal bed frames and wardrobes. Whenever they buy something for the house, they consider whether it can be carried quickly in case of a flood.
Despite the regular floods, Azatul admitted their preparations remain basic. They have packed important documents and keep a small emergency bag with a few clothes ready.
Priya said climate concerns have not directly changed where she lives or works, but she thinks twice about water usage and energy bills. Her main preparation during extreme weather is ensuring access to basic necessities, especially water supply.
| Name | Age | Occupation | Location | Adaptation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azatul Afzan Mat Dui | Early 30s | Administrative executive | Raub, Pahang | Flood-friendly renovations, metal furniture, emergency bag |
| R. Priya | 26 | Marketing executive | Cheras | Mindful of water and energy use, prepares water supply |
| Matthew Chan | 23 | Student | Kuala Lumpur | Prefers higher ground for future housing |
Impacts
The adaptations affect daily decision-making and household purchases. Azatul's choices, such as buying metal furniture and installing higher shelves, reflect a shift toward flood-resilient living in flood-prone areas.
For Priya, climate concerns influence daily habits like water and energy consumption, though not major life decisions. She hopes authorities can provide clearer communication and more consistent action plans on climate risks, including stronger disaster preparedness systems.
For 23-year-old student Matthew Chan from Kuala Lumpur, the increasing frequency of floods has made living on higher ground a major consideration when choosing where to live in the future. He said he would choose places on higher ground to minimise risk and stay alert to official warnings.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If extreme weather events continue to increase in frequency, more young Malaysians may adopt similar adaptive measures, such as choosing higher-ground residences or altering household purchases.
Should authorities improve disaster preparedness and communication, residents like Priya could feel more secure, potentially reducing the need for individual ad-hoc preparations.
However, if floods and heat events become more severe, current basic preparations may prove insufficient, possibly prompting more comprehensive adaptations or influencing broader lifestyle choices.
Source: thestar.com.my
