11-14 February 2025:
GCoM’s Bankable Cities initiative empowers cities to develop actionable climate projects. This programme is designed to move projects from the conceptual stage to being ready for finance by accelerating projects’ maturity at the pre-feasibility stage of development and connecting them with the relevant financial or technical support.
“THE PROVISION OF SAFE & FRIENDLY PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS AND BICYCLE LANES TO PROMOTE ACTIVE MOBILITY” is the initiative chosen by Segamat Municipal Council for the EU-funded technical assistance. The current development trends in the municipality of Segamat are leading to unsustainable transportation sector growth, currently focused on an increase in private car ownership. This raises numerous challenges in terms of traffic congestion (especially in the city centre), greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and more. Segamat means fresh water and this climate action ambitious municipality is now also aiming for fresh air for their inhabitants.
In the context of Segamat city, promoting walking and cycling as an alternative to short car trips is seen as one of the important strategies to decelerate the increase in car use and help reduce CO2 emissions, together with mobility demand management and promotion of public transport. Besides, the increased use of active transportation modes such as walking and cycling also has beneficial effects on public health and contributes to improving the liveability of the city. Hence, Segamat Municipal Council intends to further provide pedestrian and bicycle paths that are comfortable and safe in Segamat city. More specifically, it will develop a 6km covered linkway cum green corridor that will be dedicated to active transportation modes, offering efficient and comfortable infrastructure for commuters entering the City from the Jalan Genuang Road, which is a major access route to the city centre.
The in-person meetings were organised by GCoM Malaysia Segamat’s focal point TPr. Azman Ali, Department Head for Town Planning and Landscape Department. We commenced a dialogue with the Segamat Mayor YBhg. Tuan Haji Mohd Helmi bin Dato’ Haji Sha’ri @Shangari, Mr. Mohd Fazle Bin Mohd Yusop, Municipal City Secretary and Heads of Department of Segamat Municipal Council who expressed political commitment to see through the success of this project. GCoM Global Secretariat technical experts were represented by Ms. Venelina Varbova, Mr. Mikaël Angé and Ms. Jacqueline Chang, GCoM Country Coordinator. Read more at GCoM LinkedIn Post
This was followed by two full days of stakeholder meetings and focus group discussions hosted by Segamat municipality with over 70+ attendees as listed above from their respective institutions. Summary of key takeaways are:
Group 1: Transport and Mobility
- Rental available for bikes, e-bikes, skateboards, rollerblades etc.
Group 2: Technical Aspects, Safety and Security
- Solutions and Recommendations for Segamat Municipality were shared on safety and security which were high priorities for all groups including topics involving vulnerable groups.
Group 3: Economic Development
- A different theme each week for local businesses e.g. crafts, culture
Group 4: Social and Community Considerations, Leisure and Cultural Amenities
- Vibrant activities for multigenerational community groups (e.g. outdoor gym, kids friendly corner)
Group 5: Environmental Impacts
- Creative ideas for leisure and amenities and environmental related activities. Mural and creative SDG and sustainability messages. Inculcating a healthy and sustainability lifestyle (multi-prong approach)
Read more at Segamat Municipality Facebook post.
On 14 February, Ms. Venelina Varbova, Ms. Jacqueline Chang and Mr. Ahmad Afif bin Ab Samad, Town and Country Planning Officer from Segamat Municipal Council met with PLANMalaysia, Ministry of Housing and Local Government to provide progress updates on the technical assistance and to invite inputs, advice and recommendations from TPr Dr Dzul Khaimi bin Khailani, Deputy Director of Research and Development Division, Gs. Lily Hamaddah binti Ramle, Chief Senior Assistant Director of Research and Development Division, TPr Ezrein Faizal bin Ahmad, Chief Assistant Director of Research and Development Division and Ms. Puan Farah Salwa binti Mustaffa, Town and Country Planning Officer. Read more from PLANMalaysia Facebook post
They also met with Ministry of Transport and the Railway Assets Corporation again to summarise the Segamat mission and the key takeaways surrounding the positive buy-in from stakeholders who shared creative ideas for the project. We would like to thank the following government officials for their inputs: Ms. Aini Rislah binti Md Ramli, Principal Assistant Secretary (KPSU), Ms. Zainab Nursyuhada Binti Mohamad Habibullah, Assistant Secretary, Strategic Planning and International Division, both from Ministry of Transport and Mrs Lena Ng Hwei Ling, Chief Operating Officer (Property) and Mr. Muhammad Shahril Aiman bin Saripuddin, Assistant Property and Business Development Manager both from Railway Assets Corporation and other officers present at the meeting.
To find out more, contact: TPr. Azman Ali, Department Head for Town Planning and Landscape Department, Segamat Municipal Council and https://www.facebook.com/mpsegamat
Read more: Page 31 of GCoM Impact Report 2024
