Key Takeaways:
The GCoM city delegates from Blacktown (Australia), Banda Aceh (Indonesia) and Nakuru (Kenya) were warmly welcomed by YBhg. Datin Sapiah binti Haron (Mayor) and senior officers from Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council. Day 1: Dialogue and Knowledge Exchange. The four GCoM cities were able to align and highlight their climate mitigation and climate adaption flagship projects in common thematic focus areas (energy management, water and waste management, sustainable communities’ capacity building, eco-tourism, nature-based solutions for urban spaces, river rehabilitation and to strengthen disaster risk management) under their respective Climate Action Plans. Notable achievements (statistics) and best practices were shared on monitoring and evaluation of projects, carbon tracking, climate finance planning, climate governance, climate financial disclosures scenario modelling, annual costs savings post-project implementation and how they embedded the SDG 2030 agenda in their implementation strategy. Community engagement initiatives were also emphasised by all GCoM cities – how they work with all diverse groups especially youths and vulnerable groups to address the climate crisis challenges.
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Day 1 and 2: Energy Transition Programme. The GCoM city delegates had the opportunity to learn about the implementation of two flagship projects under the Hang Tuah Jaya’s Climate Action Plan under Theme 1: Shifting to a Green Economy by promoting the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable energy system.
- working with the private sector namely Scatec Quantum Solar PV Park (website) on a large-scale solar photovoltaic (LSSPV) project (largest in Melaka) which generates 132kW on a daily basis.
- GEF 6 grant was awarded to implement the Smart Grid Demonstration Project (SGDP) to introduce smart grid solutions, focusing on integrating renewable energy sources, improving energy management, and empowering consumers with greater control over their energy usage. This involves working with Tenaga Nasional Research Bhd, federal agency MIGHT and UNIDO.
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Day 1 and 2: Nature-based Solutions and Climate Responsive Infrastructure Programme under Theme 3 : Climate Responsive Infrastructure of Hang Tuah Jaya’s Climate Action Plan. The programme was centered on Melaka’s UNESCO World Heritage zone which runs through the heart of the historical city and forms the spine of its economy. GCoM city delegates learned about how the Melaka state government and local authorities are working together in preserving their cultural heritage especially Dutch and Portuguese colonial architectural buildings and styles. During the Melaka River Cruise, government officials explained how river clean ups are conducted daily and how they manage the river water levels during low and high tides especially during the rainy season. Urban forest and Botanical Gardens: GCoM delegates were briefed how the state forestry department works closely with the federal forestry department and Hang Tuah Jaya municipality to implement conservation activities and carry out maintenance measures of the botanical gardens. Mr. Kevin Turner (Blacktown) was particularly interested on how they carried out enforcement measures to preserve the urban forest and to prevent illegal logging. The tour was also carried out using EV buggies. During the hike to Puncak Laksamana at Beruang Hill, GCoM city delegates learned how the municipality is promoting sustainable tourism and environmental education. Finally, the site visit to the Melaka Zoo, gave them an opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation, corporate social responsibility partnerships with the private sector and green zoo initiatives.
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Day 2: Community Projects Programme (Low Carbon Initiatives). Three projects were introduced under Theme 4: Sustainable Community of the Hang Tuah Jaya’s Climate Action Plan. Eco-School Refresher Course for Climate Ready Classrooms. 27 schools (12 are currently accredited as eco-schools) were invited for the workshop/refresher course and GCoM city delegates witnessed how Hang Tuah Jaya Municipality’s Green Ambassadors were rolling out innovative ideas for the school syllabus proposing various eco-projects to be implemented by both teachers and students. The 2024 eco-school champion also gave a presentation on their successful projects, how to scale implementation to inspire other schools to replicate efforts at their schools and at home.
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Solar Powered Food Court to reduce electricity bills for food vendors. The GCoM city delegates had an opportunity to speak with food vendors post- implementation of their solar powered food court project under the GeRAK grant. Sustainable waste disposal practices at a landfill. The GCoM city delegates were informed that the construction of a waste-to-energy (WTE) plant at the Sungai Udang Sanitary Landfill is expected to begin middle of this year. Other initiatives are constructing a new disposal cell at the Sungai Udang Sanitary Landfill dedicated for waste disposal, specifically for the construction as well as industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) sectors. These projects could prolong the lifespan of Melaka’s sanitary landfill, ensuring adequate waste management for the state. The long-term plan is to convert the Sungai Udang Sanitary Landfill into an Integrated Waste Management Facility for Melaka, where all types of waste will be handled at a single location.
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Testimonials
Ms. Grace Karanja – Nakuru, Kenya
Mr. Kevin Turner – Blacktown, Australia
Mr. Parmakope – Banda Aceh, Indonesia
Ms. Jacqueline Chang – GCoM Asia
