Launch of Community Resilience Implementation Plans (CRIPs) for Kampung Pasir Baru and PPR Beringin, Kuala Lumpur
In a significant move to enhance community resilience against climate impacts, two new implementation plans have been designed for selected communities in Kuala Lumpur. Developed as part of the Urban Climate Resilience Programme (UCRP), a joint effort by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Z Zurich Foundation, Zurich Malaysia and C40 Cities, the plans prioritise residents in creating solutions for a safer, more climate-ready future.
Through collaborative workshops, climate risk assessment, and ongoing engagement with residents, the CRIPs reflect the priorities of the communities most affected by flooding, extreme heat and other climate-related risks.
The plans include installing flood early warning systems in Kampung Pasir Baru and providing financial training programmes to those in social housing areas like PPR Beringin affected by extreme heat.
As the implementation of the CRIPs progresses, DBKL will begin rolling out a series of initiatives, working closely with relevant agencies to integrate the CRIPs strategies into the city’s broader climate adaptation plans. These plans will serve as living documents that will continue to evolve, guiding local interventions, deepening community ownership, and strengthening coordination between DBKL, federal agencies and other key stakeholders.
By testing resilience solutions at the community level, this approach will support Kuala Lumpur’s first Heat Action Plan and other climate strategies demonstrating how UCRP can contribute to citywide action in addressing climate change.
Dato’ Sri TPr. (Dr.) Maimunah binti Mohd Sharif, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, officiated the launch and reiterated the city’s commitment to inclusive community-led climate adaptation:
"I am proud that this community-based initiative is aligned with the Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040, DBKL’s 15 Flagship Programmes, and DBKL’s steadfast commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative is a significant step towards realising the aspiration of positioning Kuala Lumpur as a resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready city."
At the launch event, Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation, and Junior Cho, Country CEO of Zurich Malaysia, reaffirmed their organisations’ long-term commitment to the initiative, and highlighted the importance of investing in grassroots climate resilience.
"Building resilience to climate-related events requires a multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure a more holistic and sustainable protection for local communities. Using a prevention approach, we equip vulnerable communities with the necessary knowledge, tools and resources they need to prepare themselves against the negative impacts of climate change. We look forward to translating our findings through the customised, community-led CRIPs, with the support from our partners at the DBKL as well as C40”, said Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation.
Additionally, Junior Cho, Country CEO of Zurich Malaysia, added, “At Zurich Malaysia, we believe that real impact begins at the community level. The launch of CRIPS is a testament to what’s possible when local voices are empowered to lead. By addressing the needs of the residents in Kampung Pasir Baru and PPR Beringin, we are not only establishing physical safeguards but also fostering a culture of preparedness, resilience, and care. Reflecting on our long-standing commitment to Care For What Matters, we strive to support communities in facing the challenges of climate change.”
The launch marks a clear demonstration of Kuala Lumpur’s leadership in urban climate resilience, built on strong collaboration between local government, communities and private partners. The programme is supported by C40 Cities as a technical partner and funded by Z Zurich Foundation, with Zurich Malaysia playing a key role in aligning private sector leadership with community-led climate action.
The event also featured an interactive panel discussion, recognition of local champions, and spotlighting community voices, ideas and priorities. This marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards continued collaboration and meaningful progress toward a more resilient Kuala Lumpur. With these efforts, Kuala Lumpur is poised to lead the way in climate resilience, creating a stronger, more sustainable future for its residents and setting an example for cities worldwide.
For more information on UCRP funded by Z Zurich Foundation, supported by Zurich Malaysia and the efforts in building climate-resilient communities, please visit www.zurich.com.my/about-zurich/corporate-responsibility/urban-climate-resilience-program.
About Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL)
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) or Kuala Lumpur City Hall, is the governing body for the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. As the local authority, DBKL strives to provide a sustainable and resilient city for all by promoting physical and socio-economic development programmes, development control, and enhanced municipal services with excellent city governance. For more information, please visit www.dbkl.gov.my.
About Z Zurich Foundation
The Z Zurich Foundation works alongside Zurich Insurance Group employees and other stakeholders as well as with governments and NGOs in pursuit of a future where people can thrive in the face of increasing climate hazards, where those of us feeling the stresses of life are empowered to speak up, and where the marginalised in our society can reach their full potential.
The Z Zurich Foundation is a Swiss-based charitable foundation established by members of the Zurich Insurance Group. It is the main vehicle by which Zurich Insurance Group delivers on its global community investment strategy.
Visit the Z Zurich Foundation’s website to learn more about its work: https://zurich.foundation. Follow Z Zurich Foundation on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.
Zurich Malaysia is a collective reference term for the Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) business subsidiaries operating in Malaysia: Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad and Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad. Zurich Malaysia offers a broad range of comprehensive insurance and takaful solutions; helping individuals as well as business owners understand and protect themselves, their businesses and their assets from risk. Zurich Malaysia has an integrated branch network in major cities nationwide as well as dedicated agency and distribution channels nationwide to serve the needs of its customers. For further information on Zurich Malaysia, visit www.zurich.com.my.
About C40 Cities
C40 is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to help the world limit global heating to 1.5°C and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. We work alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to support mayors to halve emissions by 2030 and help phase out fossil use while increasing urban climate resilience and equity.
The current co-chairs of C40 are Mayor Sadiq Khan of London, United Kingdom, and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, Sierra Leone; three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the Board. C40’s work is made possible by our three strategic funders: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Realdania.
To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit our website or follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.