DEFENCE WHITE PAPER 48. Proliferation of WMD and CBRNe Threats. The proliferation of WMD still constitutes a serious concern for the nation and the world. Additionally, the loosening of control elements in the movement of dual-use components have contributed to the proliferation of WMD. In relation to this, there are concerns on the use of CBRNe weapons by terrorists in this country. Easily accessible bio-technology and low production costs make it easier for terrorist groups to build biological weapons. This matter is being viewed seriously by the Government where MINDEF is the lead agency for the implementation of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC). The Government is currently upgrading capabilities and coordination for responding to the possible CBRNe threats and disasters. 49. Natural Disasters and Environmental Hazards. Malaysia faces a range of environmental security issues. The nation is exposed to natural and environmental hazards such as floods, cyclonic storms, landslides, haze, droughts, tsunamis, hazardous and toxic waste problems, as well as air and water pollution. Climate-related natural disasters and other extreme weather incidents are on the rise, threatening the security and health of the rakyat as well as national development. From 1998 to 2018, Malaysia experienced 51 natural disasters, with over 3 million people affected and 281 people deaths. Out of these, floods affected over 770 thousand people, killed 148 people and caused approximately RM5.82 billion in damages. The 2015 flood is the worst in Malaysia’s environmental history, superseding the 1967 flood. 2016 was the hottest year ever recorded in Malaysia. The recurring haze-smoke problems caused by forest fires in the neighbouring country have harmful effects on the health of the rakyat and disrupt the economy. Exceedingly high Air Pollutant Index (API) in the past forced the Government to declare climate emergencies three times in different parts of the country (September 1997, August 2005 and June 2013). 50. The Government is committed to fighting global warming. It continues to prioritise the goal of cutting carbon emissions in compliance with the 2016 Paris Climate Agreement. The Government will introduce a Climate Change Act, which will institutionalise a national climate change mitigation and adaptation plan. Long-Term National Strategy 51. To protect Malaysia’s interests in the face of the emerging challenges and new opportunities as described above, the Government is determined to pursue a proactive, long-term strategy. 52. Defence elements are the central components of this national strategy. The defence strategy supports the national strategy through shared prosperity, shared security and shared identity at national and regional levels. The process will create a balanced strategic ecosystem, cultivating space for wider external partnerships and wider policy options to maximise Malaysia’s potential as a bridging linchpin between the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. 53. This long-term strategy leverages on Malaysia’s geography, national character and regional profile as a proactive nation in shaping regional affairs. Malaysia, together with fellow ASEAN member states and other partners, have actively implemented various initiatives on defence, developmental and diplomatic spheres throughout the decades (see Table 2.1). These initiatives have shaped the course of regional affairs by connecting countries, forging cooperations and creating institutionalised partnerships along different parts of the two ocean regions. These are the advantages upon which Malaysia is determined to build upon, and to protect its national interests while contributing to ASEAN centrality, regional stability and global prosperity in an uncertain security environment. 28