Two MBMB Neighbourhoods Launch Community Action Plan To Address Climate Risks

MELAKA, July 10 (Bernama) -- Two neighbourhoods under the administration of the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB), namely Kampung Morten and Pantai Peringgit, have been selected for the launch of a Community Action Plan (CAP), aimed at enhancing resilience to climate risks, such as heatwaves, floods, and the lack of safe public spaces.

State Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communications Committee deputy chairman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem said the plan was the result of collaborative research and engagement efforts, including discourses, workshops, risk assessments, and participation from various levels of the community in the area since 2023.

“Among the initial high-impact projects under this plan is the repainting of the Pantai Peringgit Apartment building, using heat-reflective paint technology, which can help reduce indoor temperatures, create a more comfortable living environment, and save energy.

“In addition, the installation of environmental heat sensors is also planned, to allow real-time temperature monitoring and to support rapid response efforts by both the authorities and the local community,” he told reporters today.

Earlier, he officiated the launching ceremony of the CAP under the Urban Climate Resilience Programme (UCRP) – Resilience for Community (R4C), which was also attended by MBMB mayor, Datuk Shahdan Othman.

Elaborating further, Mohd Noor Helmy said that the plan was developed through collaboration between MBMB, Resilient Cities Network, Z Zurich Foundation, and Zurich Malaysia, under the UCRP.

He said that the CAP also focuses on community education initiatives, including disaster preparedness training, climate change-themed murals, and proposals for the development of ‘pocket parks’ - small green spaces in urban areas, designed to enhance the local social and ecological environment.

“This approach allows us to identify not only the challenges faced by residents, but also their aspirations, and the most suitable solutions for the local context.

“It also serves as a guideline and marks the beginning of a broader and ongoing effort,” he said.

-- BERNAMA