Melaka and its Communities Launch Action Plans to Boost Climate Resilience

[From Left]

• Cheven, Community Leader of Pantai Peringgit Flats
• Hajah Jalina binti Haji Mahmud, Community Leader of Kampung Morten
• Nini Purwajati, Lead - Programs & Knowledge and Head of City Engagement for Resilient Cities Network APAC
• Low Chee Leong, Deputy Chairman of Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security for the State of Melaka
• Nor Halim bin Osman, Community Leader of Pantai Peringgit Public Housing
• Datuk Hj. Mohd Noor Helmy bin Abdul Halem, Deputy EXCO for Science, Technology and Digital Communication
• Datuk Hj. Shadan Hj. Othman, Mayor of Melaka
• Junior Cho, Country CEO of Zurich Malaysia

In a major step towards strengthening grassroots climate resilience, two new locally driven Community Action Plans (CAPs) have been launched in Melaka. Developed through the Resilience for Communities (R4C) programme, under Z Zurich Foundation’s global Urban Climate Resilience Programme (UCRP) initiative, the plans were co-created by the Melaka Historic City Council and Resilient Cities Network, with support from Z Zurich Foundation and Zurich Malaysia.

YBhg Datuk Hj. Shadan Hj. Othman, Mayor of Melaka, officiated the launch and emphasised the importance of embedding resilience in everyday urban life, “Resilience is not only about infrastructure and generating capacity, but also about preserving the way we live, work and connect as a city. Melaka’s heritage brings responsibility, and we are committed to carrying that forward by investing in climate solutions that work for our people and their future.”

Designed in partnership with the communities of Kampung Morten and Pantai Peringgit, the CAPs reflect months of collaboration between residents, city departments, state agencies, researchers, and strategic partners. Each plan outlines a tailored set of priority actions aimed at addressing key climate challenges such as urban heat, flooding, and the need for safer shared public spaces.

By engaging residents through surveys, interviews, focus groups and design sprints, the CAPs identify real, lived challenges and transform them into practical, community-led solutions. The result is a portfolio of initiatives the community can lead, own, and sustain over time, ensuring local relevance, deepened trust and strong momentum for implementation.

“Melaka is leading by example — giving communities a real say in how they prepare for climate risks and supporting them to take action. This is exactly the kind of work the R4C program was built to support. The city is showing how strong local systems — built on trust, participation and good data — can turn climate plans into tangible and sustainable change for people,” said Gregory Renand, Head of Z Zurich Foundation.

On Zurich Malaysia’s involvement, the insurance and takaful operator is stepping up to drive meaningful change in how cities respond to climate challenges, with a strong focus on uplifting communities most at risk. “Melaka represents a significant milestone in our broader commitment to building climate-ready communities,” said Junior Cho, Country CEO of Zurich Malaysia. “Reflecting our long-standing commitment to Care For What Matters, we’re proud to contribute to this local effort and are mobilising the full strength of Zurich Malaysia. From our teams to our community partners, we are all working together to help turn these action plans into lasting, tangible impact,” he added.

Early efforts are already underway with heat-reflective paint applied to reduce indoor temperatures in Rumah Pangsa Pantai Peringgit, complemented by a mural to raise awareness through public art. Meanwhile, in Kampung Morten, a new pocket park is being co-designed with residents to create shade and offer a welcoming communal space.

These initial projects are part of broader efforts led by the Melaka Historic City Council to embed resilience across the city. Building on insights from the R4C programme, the Council is also working to strengthen the development of a city-wide command centre for climate response. Looking ahead, the CAPs outline a range of future interventions including drainage studies, nature-based solutions, community greening and shading, early warning systems, heritage heat adaptation, and ongoing education initiatives.

The CAPs were developed with additional support from strategic partners such as NTU, Urban Scale, and other local stakeholders. These community action plans not only guide hyperlocal interventions but also provide a framework for future city-wide resilience planning rooted in community voices.

“This is where the real work begins,” said Katrin Bruebach, Global Director of Programs and Operations at Resilient Cities Network. “We now have a shared roadmap shaped by the people who live these risks every day.” she added.
This approach in Melaka demonstrates how inclusive, data-driven, and people-centred strategies can turn resilience goals into meaningful change on the ground. As implementation begins, the city and its partners invite further collaboration with institutions, funders, and grassroots organisations to bring these plans to life.

With its deep heritage and forward-thinking leadership, Melaka is now setting a powerful example for cities across Malaysia, where climate resilience begins with the community.
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.