Sustainable Urban Planning Practices Can Mitigate Climate Change Risks - Expert

By Siti Radziah Hamzah

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- Integrating sustainable urban planning practices, such as green infrastructure, nature-based projects, and improved water management systems, can help mitigate climate change risks, said a climate change expert.

Centre for Governance and Political Studies (Cent-GPS) climate adviser Dr. Renard Siew acknowledged that Malaysia has a strong foundation in infrastructure management, however, like any rapidly developing nation, there are opportunities for improvement.

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"Ensuring regular and thorough maintenance of existing infrastructure is crucial, especially in a bustling city like Kuala Lumpur where wear and tear can occur more rapidly," he told Bernama. 

Siew, who is also the president of the Malaysia Carbon Market Association, said this when asked on the maintenance culture in Malaysia and the impact of infrastructure development around Kuala Lumpur on flooding incidents. 

He emphasised that enhancing the maintenance culture with a proactive approach, rather than a reactive one, could help prevent such incidents in the future.

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Siew pointed out that while ongoing development in and around the city centre is essential for economic growth, it presents challenges, particularly concerning flooding.

The increasing urbanisation and reduction of natural drainage areas can contribute to flooding, as the city’s drainage systems may struggle to manage the volume of water during heavy rainfall.

Regarding the recent sinkhole on Jalan Masjid India, he said the incident was indeed concerning, especially since it is not an isolated event.

Siew noted that similar incidents such as the 2014 sinkhole on Jalan Bukit Bintang highlight a concerning pattern, suggesting a range of factors may be at play. Kuala Lumpur's rapid urbanisation has placed significant strain on its infrastructure.

He explained that continuous construction activities, including the development of high-rise buildings, underground structures, and extensive road networks, could be undermining the integrity of the soil and underground water systems. 

"This can lead to subsidence, where the ground gradually sinks, eventually causes sinkholes. Additionally, Kuala Lumpur’s geographical location and soil composition might contribute to the formation of sinkholes," Siew said. 

Kuala Lumpur sits on a mix of karst landscape which includes soluble rocks like limestone, which makes it particularly prone to sinkholes due to dissolution. 

Siew pointed out that heavy rainfall during La Nina periods, common in Southeast Asia, could exacerbate these conditions by increasing water infiltration into the soil, leading to erosion and the eventual collapse of underground cavities.

"Another factor could be the ageing infrastructure, such as old sewer lines or water pipes that might be leaking and causing soil erosion over time. Regular maintenance and monitoring are crucial to prevent such incidents, but this may have been overlooked or inadequately addressed in some areas," he added.

Touching on the potential of the capital city to be below sea level by 2050, Siew said Kuala Lumpur, like many other cities, is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, more intense rainfall, and the subsequent risk of flooding. 

He noted that the city's location in a valley, coupled with extensive urbanisation, makes it particularly susceptible to water accumulation as well as drainage issues. The potential for significant flooding challenges in the coming decades is a serious concern.

"We have definitely seen a number of flood mitigation measures such as the SMART Tunnel, which serves as both a storm drainage system and a roadway, are innovative solutions aimed at mitigating flash floods in the city. Ongoing efforts to enhance the city's drainage infrastructure, including widening and deepening existing drains, are crucial in managing heavy rainfall and reducing flood risks,” he said.

Siew also emphasised the importance of incorporating green infrastructure, such as permeable pavements, green roofs, and urban parks, which can help absorb rainwater and reduce runoff. 

-- BERNAMA