PUTRAJAYA, Dec 30 — The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) released the Compendium of Environment Statistics, Malaysia 2025, today.

The average maximum temperatures recorded at 42 meteorological stations showed a decline at 33 stations, ranging from 0.1 to 1.3 degrees Celsius, while two stations registered a slight increase throughout 2024. 

The report said 22 stations recorded an increase in annual rainfall, with rises ranging from 51.0 mm to 2,230.9 mm. Kapit Station recorded the highest total rainfall of 5,624.0 mm, while the lowest was recorded at Kuala Pilah Station with 1,704.3 mm.

“In general, the diverse impacts of global climate change in 2024 included a sharp rise in flood incidents across Malaysia, totalling 1,345 cases compared to 809 the previous year.

“Sarawak recorded the highest incidence with 459 cases, followed by Terengganu (199) and Kedah (101),” he said. 

The report also highlighted an increase in clinical waste, which rose by 11.8 percent in 2024 following two consecutive years of decline.

He said the total volume increased to 46,700 metric tonnes, compared to 41,800 metric tonnes in 2023.

“The largest volume of clinical waste was generated in Selangor (11,800 metric tonnes), followed by Kuala Lumpur (5,100 metric tonnes) and Sarawak (5,000 metric tonnes),” he said.

The Compendium of Environment Statistics, Malaysia 2025 provides environmental statistics across six components: Environmental Conditions and Quality; Natural Resources and their Use; Waste; Extreme Events and Disasters; Human Settlements and Environmental Health; and Environmental Engagement, Management and Protection.

This statistical compilation is based on the United Nations’ Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics, 2013. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, 30 Dis: Jabatan Meteorologi (MetMalaysia) mengeluarkan amaran hujan berterusan tahap waspada bagi beberapa kawasan di Sarawak bermula esok hingga 1 Jan 2026.

Dalam kenyataan hari, MetMalaysia memaklumkan antara kawasan dijangka terkesan ialah Kuching, Serian, Samarahan, Sri Aman dan Betong.

Orang ramai dinasihatkan mendapatkan maklumat cuaca terkini melalui laman web rasmi MetMalaysia, aplikasi mobil myCuaca, media sosial rasmi MetMalaysia atau menghubungi talian hotline MetMalaysia di 1-300-22-1638 bagi sebarang pertanyaan lanjut. -TVS

BINTULU (Dec 30): Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has directed government agencies to produce a comprehensive and practical improvement plan for the Sungai Plan flood mitigation programme within one month, following recent floods caused by heavy rainfall.

During a visit to several identified ‘red zone’ areas, where water levels reportedly reached up to three feet in some locations, he emphasised the need for swift and coordinated action ahead of Chinese New Year 2026.

“I have made it clear that Sungai Plan must be dredged using excavators and properly cleared to restore its original drainage and flood-retention capacity,” the Bintulu MP said in a Facebook post.

Since the affected land falls under multiple authorities, Tiong instructed the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID), the Land and Survey Department, the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Sarawak Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to form a cross-department task force.

One agency will be appointed to lead coordination efforts, including identifying the causes of blockages, defining river reserve boundaries, outlining roles and responsibilities, and determining the technical approach for dredging works.

Tiong also issued a stern warning to factories and warehouses encroaching on drainage or river reserves, insisting that illegal structures be removed immediately.

Those who fail to comply will face enforcement action by the Land and Survey Department under the law.

“I cannot accept situations where government land is illegally occupied, drainage is blocked, floods keep happening and the public suffers while the government is blamed,” he said.

Meanwhile, BDA has instructed contractors to begin clearing drainage channels, with work now underway. The clean-up is expected to take about three weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Tiong said he will continue to monitor progress closely to ensure the measures remain on track, improving drainage efficiency and reducing the risk of sudden flooding.

SERIAN (Dec 31): As Sarawakians prepare to usher in the New Year 2026, many are pausing to reflect on 2025 — a year marked by personal challenges and moments that tested resilience and reshaped perspectives.

For Mohd Zulamirul Asyraf Zakaria, a barista, 2025 was a test that pushed him to start from scratch and step beyond his comfort zone, drawing inspiration from his father’s perseverance.

“I tried multiple jobs — from running a small online crocheting business to brewing tea — just to keep going,” he told The Borneo Post on Tuesday.

Through the experience, Mohd Zulamirul gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices adults make to earn a living.

“I finally began to grasp the weight of responsibility in providing for a family. The relentless effort, sacrifices and endurance it takes to put food on the table,” he added.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mohd Zulamirul said his focus is on securing safer living conditions for his family, whose home in Kampung Hulu is located in a flood-prone area.

Recurring monsoon floods have strengthened his goal to apply for a housing loan so his family would no longer need temporary shelter during emergencies.

“It is time for me to give back. I want to ensure their comfort and safety. That is my responsibility now,” he said.

Describing the year as ‘emotionally demanding’, Atiesha Hazwani, an assistant environmental health trainee, said 2025 required her to balance professional responsibilities with personal well-being.

“Some days felt like a roller coaster. There were moments I wanted to give up, but I learned that patience is built through hardship. Those difficult days taught me resilience and maturity,” she said.

Looking to the new year, Atiesha said her priority is mental peace and emotional stability, which she believes are essential for navigating future challenges.

She also hopes to spend more quality time with her mother and sister, whom she described as her main pillars of support.

Meanwhile, Lyra Cassia Menon, an assistant hotel duty manager, described 2025 as a steady but grounding year — marked by stability rather than dramatic breakthroughs.

She said the year underscored the importance of prioritising personal well-being and family amid work demands.

“Nothing extraordinary happened, but it made me realise what truly matters — being present for myself and spending time with my family. As we grow older, those moments become more valuable,” she said.

Lyra expressed hope to strengthen her financial discipline while working towards her aspiration of travelling abroad.

“Exploring the world is a dream, but it requires careful planning and discipline. I want to be more responsible with my finances,” she added.

As 2025 draws to a close, leaving behind lessons shaped not only by major events but by everyday perseverance and quiet personal growth, the arrival of 2026 signals a fresh chapter to move forward with clearer direction.