GEORGE Town Lord Mayor and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) President Datuk Anthony Rajendran said Penang readied itself for severe weather by managing its stormwater, reducing heat and enhancing resilience.
Speaking at the zero-waste conference 2.0 in Kuching, he said it was part of the state's commitment to share what the award-winning MBPP is trying to inculcate to protect its localities from the severities of global warming.
The regional conference is held under the auspices of the Second Green and Geopark Excellence Awards (GAGA) platform.
Rajendran said his working paper is on how an island city is using nature-based solutions to combat urban heat and flooding while creating economic opportunities.
"In Penang, Malaysia’s vibrant island city, these challenges are becoming harder to ignore," said the engineer.
Penang is increasingly vulnerable to flash floods during heavy monsoon rains.
At the same time, the lack of green spaces has amplified the urban heat island effect, making everyday life hotter and more uncomfortable for residents.
Malaysia has launched an ambitious Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme funded by the Adaptation Fund and implemented by UN-Habitat.
With USD$10 million in support, the project is transforming parts of George Town and Bayan Lepas through innovative nature-based solutions (NBS).
Instead of relying solely on traditional grey infrastructure like concrete drains, the project harnesses natural systems to tackle urban problems.
A key feature is the pocket park initiative, which revitalises vacant spaces into small cooling green areas that provide recreational space for communities while helping to manage stormwater and mitigate heat.
Green facades and rooftops cool buildings and surrounding areas, easing the urban heat island effect.
Climate-resilient trees are planted along streets to provide shade and comfort for pedestrians.
A blue-green corridor, combining wetlands, rain gardens, and retention ponds, offers an integrated approach to stormwater management, said Rajendran.
MBPP is also assisted by project coordinator Think City Sdn Bhd and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), as well as NGOs.
“What we’re seeing in Penang is just the beginning. More initiatives are underway," added Rajendran. – October 5, 2026
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