Malaysia must increase its Antarctic conservation efforts as changes on the continent directly impact the nation, says Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.
KAJANG: The Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, has called for Malaysia to boost its conservation efforts in Antarctica, stating the country bears a moral, scientific and global responsibility to protect the continent.
His Royal Highness said any changes in Antarctica have a direct impact on Malaysia, and the nation must contribute more meaningfully to global climate efforts as a member of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty.
He cited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report, which states melting of the Antarctic Ice Sheet has already raised sea levels by 7.4 millimetres.
Sultan Mizan also highlighted a 2025 Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting report that raised the issue of microplastics and recommended an immediate action plan.
The Ruler reminded the audience that Malaysia made history in Antarctic diplomacy in 1982 through a United Nations General Assembly initiative.
“This legacy has strengthened Malaysia’s position as one of the earliest countries to champion the principles of fairness in Antarctic diplomacy,” the Sultan said at the 2025 National Antarctic Day celebration.
Sultan Mizan, who visited Antarctica in 2011, serves as Patron of the Yayasan Penyelidikan Sultan Mizan (YPASM).
At the event, he presented YPASM Research Grants to researchers from 12 universities for conservation and climate studies.
He also witnessed the signing of collaboration agreements between the foundation and the 12 local universities for the Third Cycle of the Smart Partnership Initiative from 2026 to 2030.
