GEORGE TOWN, Penang is set to to launch Malaysia’s first climate adaptation programme this year, aimed at assisting vulnerable communities in developing countries to adapt and bolster urban resilience against climate change.
Known as the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP), it is a state government initiative with a RM9.2 million fund from the Adaptation Fund (AF), a secretariat established by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
State Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the programme has been in development for five years with UN-Habitat, with implementation by the state government, Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID), Penang Island City Council and community-focused urban regeneration organisation, Think City.
‘Programme components include urban greening initiatives, efficient stormwater management, fostering social and community resilience, and strengthening institutional capacity through collaborati
ve efforts,’ Zairil said when contacted by Bernama today.
He said Bayan Baru was chosen for the project due to its rapid development, high population density and low-lying geomorphology, necessitating a holistic nature-based engineering solution.
Zairil said Bayan Baru is also near the sea and affected by tidal events, with 16 flood incidents recorded by the Penang DID from 2016 to 2023.
He said the Penang DID will implement three measures to reduce flooding: conserving blue-green river corridors, constructing upstream retention ponds and installing swales and infiltration wells.
He also said that the Jalan Nibong Neighbourhood Park has been selected for projects under the upstream retention pond and water storage and infiltration components using nature-based engineering adaptations.
‘These components aim to ecologically capture and absorb rainwater runoff, directly reducing surface runoff and overflow, thus lessening the burden on the urban stormwater drainage system during heavy rains,’ he added.
Zai
rl also said that the Sungai Keluang reserve in Bayan Baru will be upgraded into the ‘Urban Biophilia Sungai Keluang’, promoting recreation, sports and a green environment to support flora and fauna habitats and reduce biodiversity threats.
‘The State DID has also conducted engagement sessions with the Lintang Nibong and Sungai Keluang communities on May 11 to gather input, feedback and inform the communities about the physical project implementation,’ he said.
Zairil hopes that PNBCAP will set a benchmark for all parties, as Penang is the first state to receive international funding for an initiative to enhance urban resilience to climate change through nature-based solutions.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
