During her time in office, Jamaliah Jamaluddin, Selangor’s executive councillor for public health and environment, noticed a significant issue. Although many departments addressed sustainability—like infrastructure and waste management—there was no central body to coordinate these efforts. This led to isolated projects that struggled to create lasting changes.
“We focused too much on short-term activities and awareness campaigns,” Jamaliah shared. “While those were good for engaging the community, we needed to make more progress on policies.”
To tackle this, the Selangor Climate Adaptation Centre (SCAC) was created in May. This centre serves as a crucial link, uniting various state agencies, local councils, and private stakeholders to work towards sustainable practices.
Jamaliah noted, “It’s not just an advisory body; it’s a technical think tank aiming for data-driven policies.” This is essential for addressing the complex challenges of climate change that affect everything from mobility to water resources.
SCAC plays an important role in the Selangor Climate Change Action Council, which brings together state executives and local council members. Chaired by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, the council ensures that climate initiatives receive attention across all state portfolios.
The focus on climate resilience is not just about compliance; it’s becoming a vital part of Selangor’s economic strategy. According to SCAC executive director Danial Lee, “We need accurate data to adapt effectively. That’s why we’re establishing strong foundations.”
Building a comprehensive climate risk platform involves collecting detailed climate projections and flood data. This data helps the government understand vulnerabilities and potential impacts on the population and economy.
Lee emphasized the importance of integrating climate mitigation (reducing greenhouse gas emissions) with adaptation strategies. For its first two years, SCAC has outlined key goals, including creating a greenhouse gas inventory to track emissions from various sectors, developing a long-term climate adaptation framework, and improving public sector capacity to respond effectively.
One of the major challenges facing Selangor is water-related risks. Lee warned that extreme rainfall and rising sea levels pose significant threats, particularly to urban areas. In response, the proposed adaptation framework aims to incorporate these risks into the state’s policies.
However, funding remains a key hurdle. Unlike projects with clear revenue streams, adaptation initiatives often struggle to attract private investment. SCAC aims to reframe climate risks as economic opportunities, helping to create projects that can secure funding.
For small and medium enterprises (SMEs), compliance with new environmental standards can be daunting. “We want to make it easier for them to understand their climate risks,” Lee explained. “We need to assess where they currently stand in terms of climate readiness.”
Selangor’s recent history of severe floods underscores the urgent need for action. The state has a crucial role in leading climate governance efforts, drawing lessons from past experiences to resolve future challenges.
In collaboration with organizations like Monash University Malaysia, SCAC is developing tools and research to support local communities. These insights, from flood risk maps to socio-economic impact analyses, aim to inform policymakers and guide strategic decisions.
Dr. Izni Zahidi from Monash University highlights the importance of sector-driven approaches for effective climate planning. By combining water, energy, and food systems, the university seeks to build climate-resilient communities.
With this collaborative spirit and focus on actionable insights, Selangor is positioning itself as a leader in climate adaptation. By transforming challenges into opportunities, the state can safeguard its future while supporting its economy.
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