MALAYSIA RECOGNISED AT PHAM 2025 FOR FORTHCOMING NATIONAL PLANETARY HEALTH ACTION PLAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has earned international recognition at the 2025 Planetary Health Annual Meeting (PHAM) in Rotterdam for its forthcoming National Planetary Health Action Plan (NPHAP).

The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, in a statement, said the meeting, organised annually by the Planetary Health Alliance, placed Malaysia among a select group of nations advancing science-based measures to protect human and environmental health.

Mandated in 2022 by the National Science Council, the NPHAP was developed by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) under MOSTI.

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It provides a Whole-of-Nation framework to realign development within planetary boundaries, with input from scientists, policymakers, civil society, youth and industry.

Planetary Health Alliance Faculty Director Prof Dr Samuel Myers presented the recognition to NPHAP Chairperson, Academician Prof Emerita Datuk Dr Asma Ismail.

She was accompanied by ASM chief executive officer Hazami Habib and Chairperson for the Values, Cultural Shift of Society, Behavioural Changes and Communication Pillar of NPHAP, Professor Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood who leads the plan’s pillar on societal and behavioural change.

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Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, in a recorded message, said: “This honour strengthens our resolve to stand with the global community in safeguarding the health of both people and planet. This blueprint, grounded in years of evidence, is designed to balance human well-being, environmental sustainability and economic resilience.”

ASM President and STI Advisor to the Prime Minister, Academician Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, said the plan will guide national policies with scientific evidence to improve quality of life, protect nature and create sustainable opportunities.

Planetary Health Alliance Executive Director Dr Rachel Marcus said Malaysia’s forthcoming NPHAP exemplifies the proactive measures needed to advance planetary health globally, adding that the organisation is proud to spotlight Malaysia’s initiative and anticipates its positive impact.

The plan is anchored on six key result areas, supported by 53 strategies and 222 action plans. It will be launched at the upcoming National Planetary Health Forum.

Planetary health underscores the close connection between human health and the environment, highlighting how climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution directly affect well-being.

For more information of the PTKBN executive summary, visit: https://www.akademisains.gov.my/planetary-health/.

— BERNAMA