KL-Climate Action Plan - Malaysia

Kuala
Lumpur
Climate
Action
Plan
2050
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© Kuala Lumpur City Hall 2021
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted
in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or
mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of Kuala Lumpur City Hall.
Published by: City Planning Department
Level 9, Menara DBKL 1, Tel: 03-2617 9683/9692; Fax: 03-2691 0144
Jalan Raja Laut, E-mail: [email protected]
50350 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Website: www.dbkl.gov.my
Mayor of
Kuala Lumpur’s
Foreword
An undeniable truth that is all the more pressing in present good intentions, is no excuse for bad execution. We will
times is the fact that cities are a major source of carbon not be able to successfully implement the Plan without the
emissions. In the same vein, it is cities that are heavily support of citizens. In this respect, KLCH will execute the
affected by the consequences of climate change. action points identified in this Plan in an inclusive manner
through collective and concerted effort with various
Climate change has certainly impacted Kuala Lumpur, agencies, private sector participants and community
we can clearly see it in the increased incidences of flash members in order to achieve our goal of being a long-term
floods, storms and landslides. With the full comprehension carbon neutral and resilient city by 2050.
of the urgency required in addressing the present and
future consequences of climate change for the sake of On behalf of KLCH, I would like to convey my utmost
our collective future, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) has gratitude and appreciation to all stakeholders involved
spearheaded the Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon Society in the preparation of this Plan as well as related preceding
Blueprint 2030. This Blueprint identifies comprehensive plans. Indeed, the invaluable feedback and insight from
solutions to battle climate change. our multiple engagements with non-governmental
organisations, government agencies, professional
Kuala Lumpur’s vision is to become a sustainable and bodies and institutions of higher learning were crucial
liveable city for all. As custodians of the city, KLCH in the development of the Kuala Lumpur Climate Action
understands the role it plays in ensuring that the city Plan 2050.
develops in a sustainable direction. It is also our duty to
create a city where the physical, emotional, intellectual and
spiritual well-being of all is safeguarded. We achieve this
by prioritising the environment, health, cultural heritage as
well as safety while at the same time catalysing a vibrant
economy and inspiring a model society that respects its
environment and its fellow citizens.
Building upon our previous work, we have developed the

Kuala Lumpur Climate Action Plan 2050 (KLCAP2050) for
the city. The Plan is aligned with our aim of fulfilling the Datuk Seri Haji Mahadi Bin Che Ngah
objectives of the Paris Agreement. A good plan, just like Mayor of Kuala Lumpur
02
C40
Regional Director’s
Foreword
Southeast Asia is one of the fastest growing regions in providing technical assistance, conducting workshops
population and urbanisation and is expected to bear the and extensive reviews, resulting in the 15 priority
brunt of climate change. In the past years, the region actions outlined in this plan.
already experienced climate impacts which resulted in
flooding and increased urban heat. This was evident This climate action plan builds on the city’s existing
from Hanoi to Bangkok, Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur. mitigation focused plans, including the KLCH Carbon
Management Plan, and the Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon
Cities are on the frontlines of the global climate crisis and Society Blueprint 2030. As KLCH continues to develop
are well positioned to play a leadership role in driving its Kuala Lumpur’s Structure Plan towards 2040, the
global climate action. Delivering on the objectives of the central inclusive vision of ‘A City for All’ will guide how
ground-breaking Paris Agreement requires cities to not the city’s climate actions will continue to be developed,
only strengthen their ability to manage the impacts of implemented and evaluated in the coming years.
climate change, but to also take bold action to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Following this, C40’s Deadline In this period where bold climate leadership is crucial, I
2020 programme was launched to translate the ambition would like to congratulate Kuala Lumpur for its continued
of the Paris Agreement into action on the ground through ambition to work towards a resilient and climate-safe future
city-level delivery. for its communities under the current leadership of Mayor,
Datuk Seri Haji Mahadi Che Ngah. C40 looks forward to
Kuala Lumpur signed on to Deadline 2020 in 2017, continuing our collaboration with KLCH as the city takes
committing the city to do its part in delivering the Paris the next steps towards the implementation of the actions
Agreement, and kickstarting the development of a highly in the Kuala Lumpur Climate Action Plan 2050, together
ambitious climate plan. The plan lays down strategies with communities and stakeholders.
towards carbon neutrality in 2050 and translating this
into a robust emissions reduction target for 2030,
while simultaneously looking at adaptation, mitigation,
governance and inclusion and equity as key pillars to
progress meaningful climate initiatives for a healthier and
livable Kuala Lumpur. C40 is thrilled to have supported
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) on this journey through the Milag San Jose-Ballesteros
Climate Action Planning Programme, from building on Regional Director for East, Southeast Asia
previous work to define key targets to identifying gaps, and Oceania
03
CONTENTS
Mayor of Kuala Lumpur’s Foreword 02
C40 Regional Director’s Foreword 03
Contents 04
Abbreviations 06
Executive Summary 08
CHAPTER 01: Kuala Lumpur’s Climate Action Journey 12

Kuala Lumpur’s City Vision 13
CHAPTER 02: Climate Change & Kuala Lumpur 16

The Earth is Warming 17
Kuala Lumpur’s City Context 21
Forward-looking Trends for Kuala Lumpur 26
Placing Climate Action Within 28

the Existing Planning Framework
CHAPTER 03: Towards a Low Carbon & Resilient City 32

Carbon Emissions in Kuala Lumpur 33
Climate Hazards in Kuala Lumpur 50
04
CHAPTER 04: Developing Priority Actions 60
Ongoing KLCH Initiatives 61
Developing Kuala Lumpur’s Priority Climate Actions 66
Roadmaps for Delivering Kuala Lumpur’s 78

Transformative Actions
CHAPTER 05: Planning for Implementation 88

Governance 89
Mainstreaming, Resources & Financing 92
Barriers & Conditionalities for Climate Action 100

in Kuala Lumpur
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Within KLCH 103
Moving Forward 108
Conclusion 110
05
ABBREVIATIONS
AFOLU Agriculture, forestry and other land uses
BaU Business-as-Usual
BEI Building energy intensity
BIPV Building-integrated photovoltaics
BRT Bus rapid transit
C40 C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group
CAP Climate Action Plan
CO2 Carbon dioxide
CO2e Carbon dioxide equivalent; t CO2e in tonnes
D2020 Deadline 2020
KLCH (DBKL) Kuala Lumpur City Hall (Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur)
DMP Drought Management Plan
DOSM Department of Statistics Malaysia
DRP Drought Response Plan
EECA Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act
EMS Energy Monitoring System
EV Electric vehicle
FMP Flood Management Plan
FRP Flood Response Plan
GCoM Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy
GDP Gross domestic product
GHG Greenhouse gas
GHGE Greenhouse gas emissions
GPC Global Protocol for Communities
HMP Heat Management Plan
HRP Heat Response Plan
ICA Inclusive climate action
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IPPU Industrial processes and product use
KLCAP2050 Kuala Lumpur’s Climate Action Plan 2050 (this document)
KLCH Kuala Lumpur City Hall
KLCHCMP Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s Carbon Management Plan
KLCP2040 (Draft) Kuala Lumpur City Plan 2040
KLLCSBP2030 Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon Society Blueprint 2030
KLSP2040 (Draft) Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040
KPI Key Performance Indicator
06
KPKT Ministry of Local Government and Housing
(Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan)
KTM Malayan Railways Limited (Keretapi Tanah Melayu)
LA21 Local Agenda 21
LC Low carbon
LEB Low Energy Building
LID Low impact development
LPG Liquefied petroleum gas
LRT Light Rail Transit
MESTECC Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change
MER Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
MGBC Malaysian Green Building Council
MEWA (KASA) Ministry of Environment and Water (Kementerian Alam Sekitar & Air)
MOT Ministry of Transport
MRT Mass Rapid Transit
NEEAP National Energy Efficiency Action Plan
NGO Non-governmental organisation
NPP National Physical Plan
NREPAP Natural Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan
NTP National Transport Policy
NZEB Near-Zero Emissions Building
OSC One Stop Centre
PMD Personal mobility devices
PPP Public-Private Partnership
PT Public transport
PR1MA 1Malaysia Housing Programme (Perumahan Rakyat 1Malaysia)
QCRA Qualitative Climate Risk Assessment
RE Renewable energy
RUMAWIP Federal Territories Affordable Housing Project
(Rumah Mampu Milik Wilayah Persekutuan)
SAP Station area planning
SDGs Sustainable Development Goals
SEDA Sustainable Energy Development Authority
SPKL2040 (Draft) Structure Plan for Kuala Lumpur 2040
TNB Tenaga Nasional Berhad
TOD Transit-oriented development
UHI Urban heat island
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
07
Executive Summary
The Need for Kuala Lumpur to Act

such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the United
Commonwealth of Local Governments and the C40 Cities
Climate Leadership Group.
The climate crisis is one of the most pressing issues of our
time, with global warming generating profound adverse
impacts on our planet and its inhabitants. In the face of
this crisis, Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment
to combatting climate change by ratifying the Paris Developing the Kuala Lumpur
Agreement and working towards limiting the earth’s
Climate Action Plan 2050
temperature increase to under 1.5°C and enhancing
the adaptive capacity and resilience against an inevitable Since the early 2000s, KLCH has embarked on a mission to
changing climate. transform the city of Kuala Lumpur into a sustainable and
liveable city, with a more recent focus of becoming ‘A City
In Malaysia, the impacts of climate change affect our for All’. This can be seen through initiatives such as the
everyday lives. This is likely to lead to irreversible social, Local Agenda 21 Programme as well as the development
environmental and economic consequences if no further of the KLCH Carbon Management Plan, the Kuala Lumpur
action is taken. Temperatures in major Malaysian cities Low Carbon Society Blueprint 2030 and the Draft Kuala
have continued to rise over the past decade, which has Lumpur Structure Plan 2040.
also led to changes in rainfall patterns, escalating the
urgency for bold action. Kuala Lumpur—Malaysia’s To accelerate action, KLCH has developed this Kuala
capital and most populous city—is central to national Lumpur Climate Action Plan 2050, to guide the actions
efforts to mitigating the effects of climate change. required by the council and its stakeholders in an inclusive
manner to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement,
Recognising this, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) has as highlighted in Figure 1. This expands on KLCH’s 2030
been mobilising climate action at the city level on its targets published in the Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon Society
own as well as collaboratively with other organisations. Blueprint 2030, and establishes a clear roadmap to ensure
This includes several local academic institutions such as that Kuala Lumpur achieves both carbon neutrality and
University Kebangsaan Malaysia and University Teknologi climate resilience by 2050.
Malaysia, as well as a number of international partners
08
GOVERNANCE &
EMISSIONS NEUTRAL
COLLABORATION
Develop a pathway to deliver
Detail the governance, powers
an emissions neutral city by
and the partners to engage
2050 and set an ambitious
in order to accelerate the
interim target for 2030
delivery of the city’s mitigation
targets and adaptation goals
Kuala Lumpur
Climate Action
Plan 2050
RESILIENCE TO INCLUSIVITY AND BENEFITS

CLIMATE HAZARDS Outline the social, environmental
Demonstrate how the city will adapt and economic benefits expected
and improve its resilience to the from implementing the plan, and
climate hazards that will intensify ensure the equitable distribution
over time of these benefits
Figure 1: Key Components of the Climate Action Plan
Towards Carbon Neutrality by 2050 Carbon Emissions Reductions from

Business-as-Usual Scenario
In 2017, Kuala Lumpur recorded an annual carbon
footprint of 25 million metric tonnes of carbon emissions.
Transportation accounted for the largest share, accounting 2030
for 56% of the city’s emissions. This was followed by
stationary energy (energy consumed in buildings)
representing 41% of emissions and waste representing the 30%
remaining 3% of emissions. Projections indicate that by
+ decrease =
40%
70%
2050, unless we act, emissions will more than double to
over 58 million metric tonnes annually compared to 2017. decrease
decrease
KLCH has identified the pathways and actions required
to achieve an ambitious emissions reduction of 70%
in 2030 and 93% in 2050 from the Business-as-Usual
Scenario. KLCH has identified that strong partnerships and 2050
58%
collaborations with stakeholders are crucial across all key
93%
sectors to ensure that these ambitious targets will
be achieved.
decrease +
Figure 2 illustrates the projected carbon emissions

35% =
decrease
decrease
reduction for 2030 and 2050 based on actions KLCH will
undertake. The reductions based on the Council-Led
Scenario rely largely on KLCH initiatives and policies,
while the Integrated Approach Scenario represents further Council-Led Scenario Integrated Approach Scenario
potential reductions that require strong collaboration with
the Federal Government. Figure 2: Carbon Emission Reduction Targets for
Kuala Lumpur City Hall
09
Towards Increased Resilience Against Climate Hazards by 2050
Despite the city’s existing and planned climate mitigation Projections show that the annual amount of rainfall is
actions, global warming trends highlight that the city expected to increase by over 30% between 2025 and
of Kuala Lumpur is already witnessing the impacts of 2100, yet the length of dry spells is also expected to
climate change. increase by 18% to 45 days by 2050. These drastic shifts
in weather are predicted to have a profound social,
In Kuala Lumpur, three key climate hazards have been environmental and impact on the city, especially its most
identified as posing the greatest threat to those living vulnerable residents.
and working in the city: heat, flood and drought. The
increasing risks and associated impacts from these climate KLCH has identified three key strategies and goals to
hazards include: combat climate change for the city of Kuala Lumpur:
• Heat Risk: Increased incidences and severity of • Cooler City by decreasing Urban Heat Island
heat-related illness, air pollution and energy usage
• Better Protection Against Flooding
• Flood Risk: Increased incidences and severity of
• Increasing Water Security for Residents
traffic and road accidents, landslides and
infrastructure damage
• Drought Risk: Increased incidences and severity

of economic disruption, drinking water supply and
water pollution
Developing Kuala Lumpur’s Priority Climate Actions

The Climate Action Plan identifies an initial set of 15 actions across five strategic areas that are prioritised for
implementation by KLCH (see Table 1: 15 Priority Climate Actions). The actions have been developed based on reviews of
existing policies and programmes as well as consultation with key government agencies. Together, these priority actions
provide firm steps towards a carbon neutral and climate resilient future for the city.
Planning for Implementation of the Climate Action Plan

The execution of the prioritised climate actions is expected identifying opportunities to mainstream climate action in
to require a strong public-private partnership mechanisms, other sector strategies and plans. This good governance
including project financing to come from all parties. While will also play a key role in monitoring, evaluation and
infrastructural projects will largely be funded through reporting where specific roles and responsibilities have
KLCH’s annual budgets as well as Federal budgets, private been identified. Specific departments have been tasked
sector funding and international donors will play a large to measure indicators, evaluate progress and report at
role in establishing projects and programmes within the action level, with the interdepartmental task force
organisations as well as community-level projects. evaluating and reporting at the Climate Action Plan level.
KLCH is committed to effectively implement all climate KLCH is determined to ensure the success of this Climate
action going forward. Therefore, an interdepartmental task Action Plan and is confident in its implementation
force will be established to collaboratively develop climate approach to make Kuala Lumpur climate resilient and
actions. By doing this, actions will be able to consider carbon neutral for all by 2050.
the requirements of different stakeholders while also
10
Table 1: 15 Priority Climate Actions
CLIMATE STRATEGIES PRIORITISED OBJECTIVES

CLIMATE ACTIONS
Mobility & Infrastructure Street Design to Prioritise Introduce pedestrian priority into the road hierarchy
Active Mobility to promote active mobility and demote private vehicle
usage, to reduce the associated negative impacts from
greenhouse gas emissions to air and noise pollution
Comfortable & Safe Provide a large network of safe pedestrian routes to

Pedestrian Networks increase active mobility and its associated positive
impacts such as improved public and mental health
Accessible Affordable Increase the availability of affordable housing

Housing in Priority Area close to public transport options to encourage public
transportation for residents who would benefit the most
Dedicated Bus Lane Improve and extend existing bus route service to
Network encourage public transportation through increased
reliable service
Green Adaptive City Deploy Low Impact Create nature-based solutions to reduce stormwater
Development runoff as well as urban heat island impacts
Depave Public Space Increase permeable surfaces to support stormwater

with the Community runoff as well as provide additional community
and recreational space
Protect Parks & Increase Mitigate the impact of the urban heat island and
Biodiverse Areas stormwater runoff by increasing planted areas while
protecting sensitive biodiverse areas
Energy Efficient & Building Vegetation Reduce urban heat island at a building scale, with added
Climate-Proof Buildings Covering benefits of stormwater and pollution management
Low Carbon Building Reduce energy consumption of buildings through

Checklist Validation technical specifications as well as increase climate
resilience through surface treatment
Building Performance Develop maximum allowable Building Energy Intensities

Benchmarking & Rating to support increased energy efficiency
Near Zero Emissions Develop a roadmap with strategies across the lifecycle of
Building Roadmap buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Smart Waste Solid Waste Reduction Develop waste reduction, reuse and recycling strategies
Management through a Waste Masterplan and infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
from the waste sector
Disaster Management Flood Management & Build resilience and preparedness against flood
Response Plan incidents through early warning systems and disaster
response plans
Heat Management & Reduce the impacts of extreme heat by improving the
Response Plan awareness of citizens on heat-related health impacts,
monitoring weather locally and modifying existing
council assets
Drought Management & Reduce the impact of extreme drought on citizens by

Response Plan improving their awareness of water efficiency as well as
improving city-level water storage
11
01
KUALA
LUMPUR’S
CLIMATE
ACTION
JOURNEY
This section highlights

Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s Vision
for the city of Kuala Lumpur as
well as their climate action journey.
The council have been undertaking
multiple initiatives over the past several
years, and have been working through
their networks to realise and
deliver on their commitment to
addressing climate change.
12
Kuala Lumpur’s
City Vision
Kuala Lumpur, as Malaysia’s capital city, is also proud to

City Vision be a part of the international movement to act against
climate change. The city began its journey to combat
The main vision of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) since
climate change through community engagement and
the start of the 21st century was to transform the city
carbon emissions reduction programmes in the early
of Kuala Lumpur into a sustainable and liveable city by
2000s, through the formation of its Local Agenda 21
2020—a vision that will continue towards 2040 and 2050.
unit. Subsequent initiatives by the city council include
KLCH is keen to embrace an innovative and more inclusive
establishing KLCH’s Carbon Management Plan and the
approach to governing the city, and this is highlighted
Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon Society Blueprint 2030.
through the vision of the draft Kuala Lumpur’s Structure
Plan 2040, ‘A City for All’. Through the following sections
KLCH has also joined several international networks and
of this Climate Action Plan (CAP), several other key
made commitments to reduce carbon emissions from the
documents that reaffirm this vision will be referenced,
municipality of Kuala Lumpur. Since 2016, Kuala Lumpur
demonstrating the strong commitment and mechanisms
has been a C40 City and in March 2019 KLCH joined the
KLCH is placing on encouraging and adopting sustainable
Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM).
solutions for the city.
Preceding the development of the Kuala Lumpur Climate
Action Plan 2050 (KLCAP2050), there were three main
Commitment to Combatting documents that encapsulated the city’s key actions
Climate Change relating to climate change. These documents were heavily
referenced in the preparation of this CAP:
Malaysia’s commitment to and ratification of the Paris
i. KLCH’s Carbon Management Plan (KLCHCMP)
Agreement1 of 2015 has been a strong driving factor for
policy nationally and at the city level to address climate ii. Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon Society Blueprint 2030
change and reduce carbon emissions. (KLLCSBP2030)
iii. Draft Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (KLSP2040)
Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon Society Blueprint 2030
DBKL Carbon Management Plan
DEWAN BANDARAYA
KUALA LUMPUR
Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

Carbon Management Plan
2017 - 2022
Draf Pelan Struktur Kuala Lumpur

BA N DA R U N T U K S E M UA
KUALA LUMPUR
LOW CARBON SOCIETY
BLUEPRINT 2030
Page | 1
DEWAN BANDARAYA
KUALA LUMPUR
0-1
1
The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015 within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), committed signatories to maintaining global warming to well
below 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit this increase to 1.5°C.
13
The KLLCSBP2030, containing 245 programmes or actions, These include (but are not limited to):
proposes a low carbon approach to city planning and • CityNet
development for Kuala Lumpur. It identified an interim
• C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40)
goal of 70% reduction in carbon emissions intensity per
unit GDP by the year 2030, using a base year of 2010. • Global Covenant of Mayors (GCoM)
• United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG)
In addition to the three key documents, since the early
2000s KLCH has been implementing initiatives relating The development of the Kuala Lumpur Climate Action Plan
to sustainability, climate change and also inclusive 2050 (KLCAP2050) is a continuum to the preceding work
engagement through the adoption of Local Agenda 21 that KLCH has developed and will continue to develop,
(LA21), the New Urban Agenda (NUA) and the Sustainable even beyond the implementation of the KLCAP2050
Development Goals (SDGs). KLCH is also a member programme. KLCH is determined to continue to lead,
of regional and international networks that promote inspire and implement ambitious rapid climate change
collaboration and knowledge sharing in these areas. action in and for the city of Kuala Lumpur.
KL declares
KL joins C40 City commitment
and Deadline 2020 to New Urban
commitment Agenda and SDGs
2006 2016 2017
LOCAL AGENDA 21 KLCH CARBON MANAGEMENT KL LOW CARBON SOCIETY

KLCH established its PLAN 2017-2022 BLUEPRINT 2030
LA21 unit, responsible KLCH developed its Carbon KLCH and UTM develops the KL
for managing community Management Plan (CMP) to Low Carbon Society Blueprint 2030
engagement programmes deliver 20% absolute carbon (KLLCSBP2030), which contains 245
and develop PPP. emissions reductions from programmes or actions, to deliver
KLCH owned, managed & 70% carbon emissions reduction
operated assets. per unit GDP by 2030.
KL joins GCOM
2021 2019 2018
KL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2050 KL JOINS THE KLLCSBP2030 SUMMARY FOR

KLCH and C40 continues to C40 CLIMATE ACTION POLICY MAKERS
develop KL’s Climate Action Plan PLANNING PROGRAMME KLCH establishes the Summary
2050 (KLCAP2050) to achieve KLCH and C40 begins for Policy Makers (SPM) to
carbon neutrality, address climate developing Kuala Lumpur’s guide the delivery of the
change and inclusive planning Action Plan to achieve carbon KLLCSBP2030. A governance
through strong governance neutrality, address climate structure including four technical
& collaboration. change and inclusive planning working groups was established
through collaboration. to oversee implementation.
Figure 3: KLCH’s Journey in Sustainability and Climate Change Initiatives
14
Developing Kuala Lumpur’s Climate Action Plan
The development of the KLCAP2050 was undertaken to address and fulfil four main components:
GOVERNANCE &
EMISSIONS NEUTRAL
COLLABORATION
Develop a pathway to deliver
Detail the governance, powers
an emissions neutral city by
and the partners to engage
2050 and set an ambitious
in order to accelerate the
interim target for 2030
delivery of the city’s mitigation
targets and adaptation goals
Kuala Lumpur
Climate Action
Plan 2050
RESILIENCE TO INCLUSIVITY AND BENEFITS

CLIMATE HAZARDS Outline the social, environmental
Demonstrate how the city will adapt and economic benefits expected
and improve its resilience to the from implementing the plan, and
climate hazards that will intensify ensure the equitable distribution
over time of these benefits
Figure 4: Key Components of the Climate Action Plan
“The KLLCSBP2030,
Building upon the KLLCSBP2030, the focus of which was
on climate change mitigation, i.e. reducing the city’s
carbon emissions, KLCAP2050 has been developed with
containing 245 programmes
or actions, proposes a low
the following objectives:
• Establish Kuala Lumpur’s pathway to achieve carbon

neutrality by 2050 carbon approach to city
• Develop strategies for Kuala Lumpur to increase its
planning and development
for Kuala Lumpur.”
resilience against climate hazards by 2050
• Incorporate an inclusive approach to climate action

planning and implementation
• Establish a governance structure that will drive and

maintain collaboration with all stakeholders across the
city in order to deliver climate action targets
The KLCAP2050 has been developed with support from

the C40 Climate Action Planning Programme, funded
by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy of the United Kingdom Government.
15
This section details why
climate action is of critical
priority for Kuala Lumpur and its
population as a global city; whose
unique characteristics and context
forms the backdrop of priorities that this
KLCAP2050 speaks to. This includes
the national and local policy
frameworks within which the
KLCAP2050 is developed
and delivered.
02
CLIMATE
CHANGE
& KUALA
LUMPUR
16
The Earth
is Warming
The Window for Taking Action is Disappearing

Climate change and its impacts are already being felt around the world. Global temperatures, driven by increasing levels
of atmospheric greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), have risen to alarming levels. With the temperature shift
already exceeding a 1°C rise compared to pre-industrial times, our planet is at risk of irreversible and catastrophic effects,
exacerbating trends we are already witnessing such as increased extreme weather events.
+1°C / 2017
The world has already
warmed by 1.0°C above
pre-industrial levels due
to human activities and is
experiencing related impacts.
+1.5°C / 2030–2052
At the current rate of warming
of 0.2°C per decade, global
warming will reach 1.5°C
between 2030 and 2052.
Figure 5: Observed and Projected Global Temperature Change

Throughout the Years. Global Temperature in 1884 vs 20191
1
2020, NASA Scientific Visualization
17
In 2013, 98% of the 66 major cities surveyed recognised that hazards from climate change will become more serious and
more frequent as the climate changes and global temperatures increase2. The potential impacts on people, infrastructure,
environments, and local and national economies will become more profound, as illustrated below.
Global mean surface temperature
M
change relative to pre-industrial
H
2.0 M M
H M
1.5
1.0 H
2006–2015
H
M H
levels (°C)
H
H
M
0
Terrestrial Coastal Fluvial Crop Tourism Heat-related
ecosystems flooding flooding yields morbidity
and mortality
Level of additional impact / risk due to climate change
High or severe risks / impacts, likely irreversible

Very high Moderate Some risks / impacts detectable.
considering limited adaptive capacity.
High Severe and widespread risks / impacts. Undetectable No impacts detectable.
Confidence level for transition: M=Medium and H=High
Figure 6: Impacts and Risks for Selected Natural, Managed and Human Systems at Different Levels of Global Warming3
Though climate change and climate action have moved Collaborative actions in cities, utilising a ‘bottom up’
up the political agenda, much more can and must be approach, are beginning to gain traction around the
done in the face of the impending risks and impacts world as cities increasingly understand the contribution to
of climate change. Countries and their regulators must global warming they are making due to their greenhouse
cooperate to accelerate climate action and prevent the gas (GHG) emissions, as well as the role they can play in
global temperature rise exceeding 1.5°C. The 2015 Paris taking action and decreasing these emissions.
Agreement marked a historic step in global coordination
on climate change mitigation and adaptation; agreements As the impacts of climate change are increasingly
and commitments such as this, embodied at the experienced, KLCH, as the local government for the Kuala
international level must propel governments, businesses, Lumpur municipality, recognises this and is committed to
communities and individuals to take action. taking the lead with initiatives that will provide effective
solutions for the city and the population it serves.
2
2015, C40 and Arup, Climate Action in Megacities report
3
2018, Amir Bazaz et al, What the IPCC Special Report in Global Warming of 1.5°C Means For Cities (figure reproduced and adapted from original)
18
The Impacts of Climate Change
With global warming increasing, so too will its impact on populations across the globe. Cities, with their
large and densely packed populations, are particularly vulnerable to climate change and they lack natural
ecosystems that can help alleviate impacts. Key impacts of climate change are summarised below.
Human illness and death are expected to Globally, water shortages occur more often
increase due to exacerbated UHI4, amplification as temperatures increase. While there will be
of heat waves, extreme weather volatility, floods, considerable variation by region, the overall global
droughts, coastal inundation, and an increase in population suffering water scarcity if temperatures
vector-borne diseases such as dengue. Likewise, rise by 2.0°C is projected to be double that at 1.5°C.
migration from marginalised agriculture-dependent Drought frequency and intensity will increase in
communities could increase as temperatures rise and many regions of the world 6.
water stress increases 5.
Food insecurity and malnutrition are expected to Natural habitats degrade substantially at higher
increase in already stressed regions—including those global temperatures, with expected irreversible
within, for example, Southeast Asia, Southern Africa, impacts on some species and ecosystems. For
and South America—due to projected impacts example, the number of insect species projected
of temperature increases and climate change on to lose their habitat is tripled at 2.0°C global
crop nutrition content as well as yield, as well as temperature increase compared with 1.5°C, while
on livestock. Vital fisheries and aquaculture face the number of plant species projected to lose their
increasing risks from ocean warming, acidification, habitat is doubled. Ecosystem loss has repercussions
and climate impacts in deltas and coastal zones7. for regional and global food security, forests, and
water systems8.
4
The urban heat island (UHI) effect is caused by concrete, stone and road surfaces absorbing large amounts of heat energy from sun
5
2018, Amir Bazaz et al, What the IPCC Special Report in Global Warming of 1.5°C Means For Cities
6
Ibid
7
Ibid
8
Ibid
19
As climate change occurs, it must be noted
that various natural and human systems will
feel the impacts of global warming at different
temperature levels. While not usually contained
within city boundaries, agricultural land,
rainforests, mangroves or coastal areas; cities
and their residents rely heavily on managed and
natural ecosystems for necessities including water,
food, trade, economic development and even
protection. Climate impacts across many sectors
and systems will be felt not only by those directly
facing the impacts, but also by urban populations
around the world. Like most cities, this is the case
for Kuala Lumpur.
Catastrophic impacts of climate change are

becoming increasingly clear, emphasising the
incredible urgency with which we need to act
if the ambitions contained within the Paris
Agreement are to be met. The Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s Special Report
on Global Warming of 1.5°C9 shows that based on
current trends of consumption and infrastructure
development, within five years the world will have
‘locked-in’ sufficient future carbon emissions to
exceed the +1.5°C rise in global temperatures.
A third of these emissions will be determined by
cities, making them pivotal in the solution.
9
Ibid; and 2015, C40 Cities & Arup, Deadline 2020—How Cities Will Get the Job Done
20
Kuala Lumpur’s
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest
city in Malaysia. Together with the 10
City Context surrounding municipalities, it forms the

National Conurbation, also known as the
Greater Kuala Lumpur region.
It is a tropical city located just above the Equator, and like its surrounding Southeast Asian neighbours, Kuala Lumpur is no
stranger to extreme weather events, with a historical record of major flood events10. Trends have shown that major cities in
Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, have recorded higher temperatures in 2019 compared to the decade prior11.
As a city with extensive infrastructure and a high level of development, Kuala Lumpur has, to some extent, managed to
alleviate the impacts of climate change through well planned innovative infrastructural solutions over the past couple of
decades. As the impacts of climate change worsen, so too will the frequency and severity of extreme weather, in turn
delivering adverse environmental, social and economic impacts on the city. This has been evident even over the past year.
Physical & Environmental Context

Kuala Lumpur is home to almost 2 million people and is very densely developed, with 76% of its land comprising built-up
area12. Natural features of the city’s landscape include rivers, managed parkland, and sloping hill areas, a large portion
of which has been engineered for safety purposes based on development practices of preceding decades. Some of the
characteristics of the city and its environment could potentially mean that impacts of climate change are felt more strongly
by its inhabitants.
URBANISATION WATERBODY GEOGRAPHY POLLUTION

& CLIMATE
• Accelerated urban • The city of Kuala • High level of vehicle
growth took place from Lumpur begins at the • Located towards the ownership: nearly every
the late 1980s, resulting confluence of the Klang central west coast of Malaysian household
in the skyscraper- and Gombak Rivers. Peninsular Malaysia, owns a car13.
enclaved within the
dominated skyline and • Kuala Lumpur has • Worsening traffic
urban sprawl of today. State of Selangor and
multiple rivers running congestion14, with 163
Klang Valley.
• Kuala Lumpur has lost through it, with several hours (2017) increasing
much of its vegetated flood-prone areas. • Tropical rainforest to 170 hours (2019) lost
climate with 27.5°C
land area to urban • Lower hierarchy streams per year.
annual average
development. and waterways have • Air quality averages
temperature and
been ‘culvertised’ at moderate band of
abundant rainfall
and integrated into 60–70 API15.
throughout the year.
the stormwater • Water pollution caused
management system. water cuts six times
across Greater Kuala
Lumpur in 202016.
10
2019, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040
11
2019, Clarissa Chung and Jo Timbuong, More hotter days now compared to 10 years ago
12
2019, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040, page 18
13
2019, Malaysia Economic Monitor, http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/616631575645435287/pdf/Malaysia-Economic-Monitor-Making-Ends-Meet.pdf
14
2020, NST Leader: Traffic-choked in KL, https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/leaders/2020/03/573509/nst-leader-traffic-choked-kl
15
2020, Air Pollutant Index Malaysia, http://apims.doe.gov.my/public_v2/api_table.html
16
2020, 2020: The Year Of Klang Valley Water Cutshttps://www.therakyatpost.com/2020/12/29/2020-the-year-of-klang-valley-water-cuts/
21
Social & Economic Context
The city of Kuala Lumpur is a large contributor to or constrained by social and economic factors. KLCH will
Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP)17, providing an strive to align its climate actions in a manner that will yield
estimated 15.6% of national GDP in 201718. Kuala Lumpur’s wider benefits for the city and its residents, in particular,
GDP per capita is the highest in the country and its those that are vulnerable.
inhabitants have the highest average household income
in the nation19. With this in mind, KLCH assessed the current performance
of the city across several domains loosely based on C40’s
Despite this, several key issues have a significant impact on ICA Planning Toolkit. KLCH’s indicative assessment of
much of the population that reside in and serve the city, the current status for each indicator is shown across the
including housing affordability and quality of life in the following pages. These indicators serve as benchmarks
city, urban sprawl and the increasing population in areas and focus points as KLCH moves forward with tackling
surrounding the city, but not within the city itself. These carbon emissions and addressing adverse impacts of
relate to increased vehicle usage, traffic congestion and air climate change, helping to ensure that climate action
pollution in Kuala Lumpur, as well as increasing economic taken in the city is sensitive to the needs of all in the city,
inequality20 in recent years. in particular, the needs of the most marginalised and
vulnerable in society.
Climate action in Kuala Lumpur will take place with
consideration of the social and economic context of the
city. The KLCAP2050, needs to recognise and assess
the various aspects of this context to understand how
climate action interventions will be influenced, enabled
17
2018, Department of Statistics Malaysia, https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemebycat&cat=449&bul_id=l25euxqxbwdbaevowxu5atfqwupndz09&menu_
id=te5cruzcblh4ztzmodzibmk2awrrqt09
18
2018, Department of Statistics Malaysia, Gross Domestic Product Fourth Quarter 2017, https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=100&bul_
id=emUyMzI4eElNK0hZQzRyaEgyZGhlZz09&menu_id=TE5CRUZCblh4ZTZMODZIbmk2aWRRQT09
19
2020, Department of Statistics Malaysia, Household Income & Basic Amenities Survey Report 2019, https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/cthemeByCat&cat=120&bul_
id=TU00TmRhQ1N5TUxHVWN0T2VjbXJYZz09&menu_id=amVoWU54UTl0a21NWmdhMjFMMWcyZz09
20
Ibid. According to the Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey Report, the Gini coefficient (an indicator of income inequality), based on gross income in urban areas,
increased from 0.389 in 2016 to 0.398 in 2019.
22
DOMAINS EXPLANATION INDICATORS
(Indicative assessment)
Health & Wellbeing • Health and medical care is good: hospitals are well Physical Health
equipped with excellent facilities, well trained medical Mental Health
professionals and affordable services. Work-Life Balance
• The rate of non-communicable diseases, such as
diabetes, is high21 at double the rate of rural population, Healthcare
due to physical inactivity, which is linked to less walkable Peace & Security
urban environments and high vehicle dependence.
Threats:
• Urban design that prioritise motorised vehicles can
increase traffic and pollution, resulting in increased stress,
obesity and cardiovascular disease rates22.
Economic Prosperity • Kuala Lumpur has a high employment rate compared to

Economic
other Malaysian states, due to greater opportunities for Innovation
formal jobs in urbanised areas. Income &
• Less labour intensive and higher value knowledge-based Poverty
jobs through sustained growth in service sectors. Prosperity
• At the national level, in October 2020, due to the
Covid-19 pandemic, the unemployment rate in Malaysia Employment
grew to approximately 4.7 percent (from 3.8 percent)
according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia23.
• The country aims to create 200,000 green jobs
by 202324.
Threats:
• Reliance on exports—volatile market (e.g. gas and diesel
prices ever-changing)25.
Education & Skills • At least 75% of the population completed lower Financial Literacy
secondary school, as compared to 72.6% in 201526.
Training &
• According to UNESCO, nationally Malaysia has an adult Green Jobs
literacy rate of 93.12%. Male literacy rate is 95.43%, Education Quality
slightly lower for females at 90.75%27.
Threats: Education
• Without clear and supportive policies, the green job Attainment
targets are at risk.
• Corruption limiting basic rights28.
Good Moderate Poor
21
2020, Normaz Wana Ismail, Sudha Sivadas, Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, https://medic.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/2020041912590601_MJMHS_0312.pdf
22
2018, Kowaleski-Jones, Lori et al, Walkable neighborhoods and obesity: Evaluating effects with a propensity score approach, SSM—Public Health Elsevier,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6086390/
23
2020, Department of Statistics Malaysia, Unemployment rate
24
2018, Komal Nanthani, Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, Malaysia Aims to Create 200,000 Green Jobs by 2023 in ASEAN
25
2020, C40 & Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Inclusive Climate Action (ICA) Summary Report
26
Ibid
27
Ibid
28
Ibid
23
Civil Society • Kuala Lumpur had an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 homeless Non-Governmental
population in 201629, while KLCH identified approximately Organisations
1,000 homeless persons in 201830. (NGOS)
• Food service providers, for example, Kechara Soup Neighbourhood
and Community
Kitchen, PERTIWI Soup Kitchen, Dapur Jalanan Kuala
Involvement
Lumpur, among various other groups, help the homeless
and urban poor. Technology &
• Covid has highlighted that the urban underprivileged Communication
are at high risk, with many opting to reside in
council-provided shelters during lockdowns due to
inability to work (daily wage workers).
• The city has a large migrant workforce in both formal
and informal employment consisting of legal, illegal as
well as refugee status.
Threats:
• While NGOs are heavily involved in leading climate-
related action, the majority of civil society lack
involvement in climate-related discussion or activities 31.
Essential Public • Access to electricity (% of population) in Malaysia was Housing

Services reported at 100% in 2018, according to the World Bank32.
Solid Waste
• In Kuala Lumpur public transport usage is particularly Transportation
high; modal share stands at 20–25% 33 and average daily
ridership of rail and bus services in 2017 was at 1.206 Energy
million, increasing from 1.16 million in 201634. Water &
• Affordable housing schemes are available in the country Sanitation
—including in the greater Kuala Lumpur urban area— Wastewater
such as the 1Malaysia Housing Programme or Perumahan
Rakyat 1Malaysia (PR1MA), Federal Territories Affordable
Housing Project (RUMAWIP) and MyHome (private
affordable ownership housing scheme).
Threats:
• Profit-oriented unaffordble and irresponsible
development.
• Middle-class individuals and families being left out
of affordable housing access 35.
Good Moderate Poor
29
Homeless Population Details: http://www.wongchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/KayLi-The-Homeless-in-Malaysia-1-1.pdf
30
KLCH Walkabout between 2am to 4am in several homeless ‘hotspot’ areas (not entire city)
31
2015, Pew Research Centre, Global Concerns about Climate Change Survey
32
2021, The World Bank, Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)
33
2018, Nur Ayuni Binti Mahammad Zin, Ministry of Transport, Malaysia, Urban Transport System in Greater Kuala Lumpur
34
2017, Malaysia National Transformation Plan Annual Report 2017
35
24
Institutions & • Malaysia’s good governance index has been steadily Voter Participation
Governance improving over the years, with improvements in: political & Presentation
stability and absence of violence or terrorism; voice and Anti-Corruption
accountability; effectiveness; rule of law and control Good Governance
of corruption36. Mechanisms
• Corruption incidence and perception still exists, with 71% Crime & Justice
of Malaysians surveyed by Transparency International
finding government corruption a concern37.
Threats:
• Political corruption threatening livelihoods 38.
Political Climate • KLCH understands the need to lead overcoming Unclear Long-Term
urban issues relating to environmental challenges, Climate-Related
poverty, governance and improving resident’s quality Goals & Targets
of life.
• Political leaders are involved in community outreach
initiatives and seeking to generate goodwill, togetherness
and unity over the long term.
Threats:
• Unstable political situations may disrupt on going
initiatives and their direction or follow-through39.
• Stalled federal-level progress and direction on climate
change-related policies and targets.
Good Moderate Poor
As highlighted, understanding the context in which Kuala

Lumpur exists and operates as a city—its infrastructure,
“KLCH aim to ensure
the fabric of social and economic systems, the city’s that the climate action
implemented is aligned with
policies and institutions for governance—is crucial to
the development of a robust, credible and appropriate
Climate Action Plan. The insights drawn from these
the wider effort to address
inequalities and protect
self-assessments help provide an understanding of
the current context and broader considerations to
ensure that the climate action eventually implemented
is aligned with the wider effort to address inequalities
vulnerable and marginalised
and protect vulnerable and marginalised communities communities in the city.”
in the city. Beyond this, it is also important to take into
consideration expectations of future trends as the city
grows and changes over the lifespan of this plan, to 2050.
36
2021, The World Bank, Worldwide Governance Indicators
37
2020, Arjuna Chandran Shankar, The Edge Markets, 71% of Malaysians view Government corruption as a big problem, says TI-M
38
39
2020, Ariel Tan, Today Online, All eyes on how new Muhyiddin government handles three issues in Malaysia,
https://www.todayonline.com/commentary/all-eyes-how-new-muhyiddin-government-handles-three-issues-malaysia
25
Forward-Looking
Projecting future scenarios for Kuala Lumpur,
as with any city, is an uncertain exercise, yet
Trends For it is very important to provide the context

for climate action in the city over the next 30
Kuala Lumpur years. Based on historical patterns, current
indications and existing plans, KLCH has
noted some key trends that are likely to have
a significant influence on the progress of its
climate action journey.
Population
2020 2050
1.73 million 2.3 million

65+
5% of total 14.5% of total

The growth of Kuala Lumpur’s population has slowed
INFORMAL POPULATION down compared to the early 2000s, in large part due to
alternative and more affordable property beyond the
Kuala Lumpur has a significant informal boundary of the municipality. The population data used
population, including temporary and special in this document are based on Kuala Lumpur’s permanent
status (refugee) residents, as well as a population residents. The reality is that Kuala Lumpur, as any major
residing illegally within the city area. The informal city, has other groups that can be considered ‘temporary’
population is by nature difficult to quantify, population, such as:
making it hard for the projection and planning of • Day population: the daily influx of citizens from other
services and amenities. It is also difficult to assess parts of the Klang Valley, for work, business or leisure
the impact of intensifying climate hazards on • Migrant population: while legal migrants are accounted
these communities. for, it is difficult to estimate illegal and undocumented
residents or workers
• Refugee population: due to issues of legality, a sizeable
“The population data used in this proportion of the refugee population remains hidden
document are based on Kuala • Other informal populations: homeless and temporarily
Lumpur’s permanent residents.

stranded citizens
The reality is that Kuala Lumpur, Moving forward, KLCH aims to track day population more
as any major city, has other accurately through the use of surveys, as well as 2020
groups that can be considered and future census data. Furthermore, coordination with
agencies that manage community welfare and labour could
‘temporary’ population” result in a more accurate understanding of the city’s long-
and short-term temporary population.
26
Transportation internet to 80% in 2019 from 56% in 2010 43. With this
The total number of train stations within the municipality increasing connectivity, there is potential for KLCH to
is expected to increase by 50% to 128 stations by more easily share information and raise awareness among
2040 40 upon completion of all LRT and MRT lines. These its citizens on the issue of climate change, hazards and
additional stations and the supporting feeder bus routes the actions required to be implemented.
will boost public transportation uptake, helping Kuala
Lumpur move closer to achieving a shared mode of The ongoing technological transformation of Malaysia—
transport target of 70% for public transportation by 2040. including Kuala Lumpur—will also encompass a future
energy ecosystem that can deliver balance between
The uptake of electric vehicles is expected to occur as environmental sustainability, secure and reliable energy
the technology develops and affordability and popularity supply, and optimal economic development44 in order to
increases. Although the up-front cost of electric cars lower carbon emissions for the nation.
is currently too high to expect a large uptake without
supporting tax breaks or incentives initiated by the federal Improved energy efficiency based on technological
government, ownership and use of smaller personal advancements as well as upcoming legistlation such as
mobility devices (PMDs) such as e-scooters has been on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) will set
the rise in Kuala Lumpur over recent years. Despite the higher targets than the existing 8% energy consumption
potential for increased usage of the PMDs, inter-agency reduction target by 2020, set by the National Energy
coordination and legal enforcement matters will need to Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP)45. This is a key step in the
be resolved41, with simultaneous mobilisation by KLCH longer-term transition towards a low-carbon economy, in
to address safety considerations, such as increasing the line with national and global ambitions 46.
bicycle lane network and legislation to support shared
use of it by PMD users. Environment
As a result of rapid urban development, Kuala Lumpur
Technology has lost valuable undeveloped vegetated land area over
The region boasts a tech-savvy population and has the past three decades. In addition to the decreased
experienced high levels of adoption of new technologies permeable green area, Kuala Lumpur has also lost trees
and online platforms 42. As a rapidly developing and shrubs inhabiting these areas as it steadily urbanised
nation, Malaysia has become increasingly reliant on to the city it is today. Should urbanisation continue and
information and communication technology, with mobile no rectification made, these ‘green lungs’ will continue to
telecommunications services and fixed broadband diminish even more, with implications on air pollution and
subscriptions becoming integral as means for information, amplification of the impacts of climate change.47
communication and business continuity. This growth
is exemplified by the increase in individuals using the
40
2019, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040
41
Bavani M, The Star Online, DBKL not ready to dismiss use of e-scooters, https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2021/01/04/dbkl-not-ready-to-dismiss-use-of-e-scooters
42
2021, Google and Temasek, E-conomy SEA 2020
43
2021, The World Bank, World Development Indicators, Fixed Broadband and mobile cellular subscriptions
44
2019, The Star Online, Energy efficiency for the future, https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/04/03/energy-efficiency-for-the-future/
45
2019, Mark Rao, The Malaysian Reserve, Malaysia’s arduous journey to a sustainable and secure energy future
46
2019, The Star Online, Energy efficiency for the future, https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/04/03/energy-efficiency-for-the-future/
47
2017, Pamela Victor, The Asean Post, Kuala Lumpur’s green lung struggles to ‘stay alive, https://theaseanpost.com/article/kuala-lumpurs-green-lung-struggles-stay-alive
27
Placing Climate Action
Within the Existing
Planning Framework
As the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur garners KLCH is aware of the impacts that the changing
attention from its residents, fellow Malaysians, climate is having on the city and understands the
and the international community. The city is importance of undertaking climate action in the
governed by a planning framework which seeks city. The council has been working on climate
to ensure that it remains globally competitive, action over past decades through the national
attractive and sustainable, while providing planning framework within which KLCH operates.
the mechanism for KLCH to address required
challenges as the custodians of the city.
The Governing Planning Framework for Kuala Lumpur

KLCH’s efforts in sustainable development and climate action have been heavily influenced by federal-level ambitions and
legislation. Local authorities in Malaysia operate within a national planning framework which guides the development of
local plans and policy documents, from which the development of the KLCAP2050 has stemmed.
28
Alignment to National Climate-Related Policy Further to these existing national policies that feature
Malaysia has several key national policies, plans and climate action, Malaysia also anticipates two further key
guidelines that relate to climate change mitigation that pieces of legislation that will provide positive directives to
was referenced in the development of the KLCAP2050. local authorities, business and the community to address
Chronologically, climate-related policy alignment began both climate change mitigation and adaptation54. These
with the National Policy on the Environment, with several forthcoming Acts are:
subsequent sectoral policies:
(1) The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA),
(1) The National Policy on the Environment aims to developed by the Ministry of Environment and Water
promote environmentally sound and sustainable (MEWA). The EECA is a formulation of the legal framework
development in managing and conserving the for energy efficiency, energy conservation and regulating
environment, for continuation of the economic, social energy demand55.
and cultural progress of Malaysia and enhancement of
the quality of life of its people48. (2) The Climate Change Act, also advanced by MEWA,
seeks to complete and announce a national climate
(2) The National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan change plan that promises new initiatives in climate
is a policy and plan identifying the needs and rationale change adaptation and mitigation56.
for a convergence of policies for energy, industrial
growth, environmental and information dissemination and The Malaysian Government is also currently developing
proposes a new and forward-looking Renewable Energy their National Adaptation Plan, which has not yet been
(RE) Policy49. made available at time of publication. For this Climate
Action Plan, references related to national climate change
(3) The National Transport Policy 2019-2030 serves as adaptation policy were largely obtained from Malaysia’s
the roadmap for developing an efficient, comprehensive, Third National Communication and Second Biennial
secure and sustainable transport sector aimed at Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on
enhancing Malaysia’s economic competitiveness and Climate Change (UNFCCC)57.
supporting the wellbeing of its people50.
“Malaysia also anticipates

(4) The National Policy on Climate Change provides the
framework to mobilise and guide government agencies,
industry and communities, as well as other stakeholders,
two further key pieces
of legislation that
in addressing the challenges of climate change in a holistic
manner51.
(5) The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan provides will provide positive
the strategy for a coordinated and cost-effective
implementation of energy efficiency measures in several
directives to local
sectors, leading to reduced energy consumption and authorities, business
and the community to
economic savings for the consumers and the nation52.
(6) The Green Technology Master Plan Malaysia recognises

the importance of green technologies to achieve progress
address both climate
and to accelerate the national economy and promote change mitigation
and adaptation.”
sustainable development to combat climate change53.
48
2002, Malaysian Government, Department of Environment, Ministry of Environment and Water, National Policy on the Environment,
https://www.doe.gov.my/portalv1/en/tentang-jas/pengenalan/dasar-alam-sekitar
49
2009, Malaysian Government, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, https://policy.asiapacificenergy.org/sites/default/files/NREPAP.pdf
50
2021, Malaysian Government MyGovernment, Government Policies—List of Malaysia Government Policies, https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/category/298
51
Ibid
52
Ibid
53
Ibid
54
2021,United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Malaysia Third National Communication and Second Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC
55
Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA),
http://upc.mpc.gov.my/csp/sys/bi/%25cspapp.bi.work.nc.custom.regulation.cls?regId=38&ext=1
56
2018, The Straits Time, Malaysia to draft Climate Change Act, formulate national adaptation and mitigation plan,
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-to-draft-climate-change-act-formulate-national-adaptation-and-mitigation-plan
57
2021,United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Malaysia Third National Communication and Second Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC
29
Integrating the Climate Agenda into KLCH’s Planning Framework
KLCH has the opportunity and challenge to integrate and coordinate national and local policies as well as initiatives that
influence action to mitigate climate change and help the city better adapt to the inevitable impacts of the changing
climate. This includes revisiting existing initiatives at the city level to ensure they are oriented towards the climate action
and ambition-levels required for and by the city of Kuala Lumpur. This section outlines the mechanism for KLCH to adopt
policies and integrate the climate agenda into the various relevant city plans for Kuala Lumpur.
National Planning
5-Year National Sectoral

Physical Policies
Malaysia Plan
Plan & Plans
Regional Planning
Regional Sectoral
Development Structure Policies
Plan Plan & Plans
Local Planning
Special
Local
Area
Plan
Plan
Local council masterplans, blueprints,

action plans, policies, programmes
and projects to guide municipality
development such as the
KLLCSBP2030 and the KLCAP2050
Figure 7: Hierarchy of Documents Used for the Climate Action Plan58
58
2020, Kamran Jafarpour Ghalehteimouri, The spatial turn in the National Physical Plan (NPP) Malaysia in compare to Germany for better criteria identification on climate change and
environmental hazards issues Climate Change
30
KLCH is required by law to prepare three plans that will guide and plans that will be developed and implemented by
policy and control development for the municipality of Kuala the city over a 10-year period. The KLSP2040 identifies
Lumpur: (i) the Structure Plan, (ii) the Local Plan and (iii) the sectoral blueprints, studies, plans and policies that will
Strategic Plan. These are developed to guide the city’s spatial need to be developed and utilised to guide KLCH’s
development over two decades. It is therefore very important activities over the decade. Incorporated within the
that KLCH incorporates its climate-related strategies and KLSP2040 are strategies and policies identified within
targets into these three documents: the KLLCSBP2030. In addition, climate actions have also
(i) The Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan 2040 (Draft KLSP2040) been incorporated into the guiding doctrine for the city
provides long-term policy direction for the city of council, the KLCH Strategic Plan 2021–2030, where the
Kuala Lumpur implementation of action plans is structured by priority
and based on short-term, medium-term and long-term.
(ii) The Kuala Lumpur Local Plan 2040 (Draft KLCP2040)
This should also be carried forward when KLCH updates
controls zoning, density and land use in Kuala Lumpur
the document for 2031–2040 and beyond.
(iii) The KLCH Strategic Plan 2021-2031 is based on the
Kuala Lumpur vision, mission, shared values and goals The Climate Action Plan (KLCAP2050) will build upon and
guiding the formation of action plans integrate existing plans set out in previous and current
KLCH documents, including the identification of climate
At the time of preparation of the KLCAP2050, both the actions contained within these documents for both ‘quick
KLSP2040 and KLCP2040 were in draft form and will need win’ projects and long-term transformative actions. This
to be gazetted by the Federal Territory Minister. It is integrated approach aims to ensure that climate-related
crucial that the local development committed in these two goals and targets set by the city are at the heart of the
strategy documents capture and integrate the strategic city’s strategic planning framework and can be achieved
and spatial-related issues for climate action in the city, in the medium (by 2030) and long term (by 2050).
along with the supporting policies that will ensure that
Kuala Lumpur’s long-term development is planned to For further details on Governance and Mainstreaming of
prevent, rather than exacerbate climate change. the Climate Action Plan, please refer to Chapter 5.
KLCH has indeed integrated the climate-related agenda

into the draft KLSP2040, which identifies the key strategies
Kuala Lumpur
KL Low Carbon
Structure Plan
2040 (Draft)
Society Blueprint 2030
(KLLCSBP2030)
Kuala Lumpur
City Hall
Strategic Plan
2021–2030 KL Climate
Incorporating climate Action Plan 2050
action agenda and (KLCAP2050)
Kuala Lumpur ambitious climate
Local Plan 2040 actions guidelines
(Draft) into existing draft
documents and plans
Financial
Allocation
and Project
Implementation
Ensuring the allocation of
financing and resources to
carry out climate action Climate Action
Figure 8: Documents to Incorporate Climate Action or Stricter Climate Action Guidelines
31
03
TOWARDS
A LOW
CARBON &
RESILIENT CITY
Taking
action begins
with a thorough
understanding of the
present circumstances. KLCH
began its KLCAP2050 journey
by establishing the greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions profile and the climate
hazard profile for the city. Subsequent
technical studies determined strategies
for carbon emissions reductions
and key climate risks to be
addressed; these formed the
basis of the mitigation and
adaptation targets to be
achieved by 2030
and 2050.
32
Carbon Emissions
In the development of the KLCAP2050, an
updated GHG Emissions Inventory for base
in Kuala Lumpur year 2017 was developed for Kuala Lumpur,

in order to understand the progress of the
city in relation to its carbon reduction plans.
This updated inventory was compliant with
the Global Protocol for Communities (GPC)
method for measuring and reporting municipal
GHG emissions. Subsequently, updated
modelling for emissions reduction scenarios
was developed for 2030 and 2050 using C40’s
Pathways modelling tool; the results from this
are detailed in this chapter.
For the preparation of the KLLCSBP2030, published in 2017, a GHG emissions profile was established using 2010 as
the base year, as well as emissions trajectories for 2020 and 2030. These calculations were made using the Asia-Pacific
Integrated Model (AIM) and were used as the basis for determining the KLLCSBP2030 targets to reduce Kuala Lumpur’s
GHG emissions intensity per unit of GDP by 70%.
While comparisons are made in this report between the KLLCSBP2030 and KLCAP2050, the following summary of the
contexts of inventory and scenario developments in each document should be kept in mind:
Table 2: Difference Between KLLCSBP2030 and KLCAP2050 GHG Emissions Inventory
DIFFERENCES KLLCSBP2030 KLCAP2050

Inventory base year 2010 2017
Scenario modelling horizon years 2020 & 2030 2030 & 2050
Methodology Asia-Pacific Integrated Model (AIM) Global Protocol for Communities

(GPC) and Pathways Tool (C40)
Calculations Emphasis on estimating emissions in Emphasis on estimating emissions

specific sectors to understand priority across all applicable GPC Basic level
sectoral actions sectors, to understand priority sectors
and actions
Specificity of data available Mostly scaled-down national Prioritised Kuala Lumpur-specific data
level data where available and scaled-down
national level data as well
For the KLCAP2050, we are utilising the updated 2017 GHG Emissions Inventory to form our base year, due to its
compliance to GPC.
33
Carbon Emissions Profile of Kuala Lumpur
KLCH used the GPC method to measure and report municipal greenhouse emissions in 2017 to established a base year
profile. The BASIC1 level within the GPC methodology estimates the following sources of emissions:
Scope 1 Scope 2 Scope 3
Stationary Energy
• fuel combustion (Scope 1)
• electricity usage (Scope 2)
• fugitive emissions released in the
process of generating, delivering,
Strationary Fuel and consuming useful forms of
Combustion energy (Scope 1)
Grid-supplied
Energy Transportation
• directly combusting fuel (Scope 1)
• indirectly consuming grid-delivered
electricity to transport vehicles and
In-bound mobile equipment (Scope 2)
Transportation
Waste
Disposal and treatment of the solid
waste and wastewater generated
from the city produce GHG emissions
through aerobic or anaerobic
Waste generated Waste generated decomposition, or incineration:
and disposed and disposed • within the city boundary (Scope 1)
in the city outside the city • outside the city boundary (Scope 3)
Figure 9: Sources of Emissions Included in the 2017 Inventory for Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur recorded emissions of 25,094,052 tonnes of CO2e in 2017, or 14.0 tonnes of CO2e per capita2. Overall, the
transportation sector generates the largest share of emissions in the Kuala Lumpur inventory, accounting for 56% of total
emissions. Within the transportation sector, on-road transportation is the dominant source of emissions (99.4%), with
the remainder deriving from electricity consumption by rail transport (0.6%). Stationary energy and the waste sector are
responsible for 41.3% and 3.1% of total emissions respectively.
1
Under the Global Protocol for Communities (GPC), cities have the option of two reporting levels: BASIC or BASIC+. BASIC+ involves more complex data collection and calculation
processes, and includes emissions from scope 1 agriculture, forestry & other land uses (AFOLU) and industrial processes & product use (IPPU), and scope 3 transboundary
transportation. Based on data availability and capability, KLCH and C40 decided to establish the 2017 baseline for Kuala Lumpur following BASIC level, while aiming to be BASIC+
compliant in the future.
2
The population for Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur in 2017 was estimated to be 1,793,000, according to the Department of Statistics.
34
Table 3: Overview of Kuala Lumpur’s 2017 GHG Emissions Inventory
t CO2e BASIC SCOPE 1 SCOPE 2 SCOPE 3
Stationary 1,472,306 8,882,383
Transport 13,875,481 86,673
Waste 201,104 576,105
TOTAL 25,094,052
Landfill
2.3%
Composting Incineration
0% 0%
Railways Wastewater
0.3% 0.8%
Residential
10.2%
3%
WA S TE
ST
A
TI
ON
Commercial
41% 24.0%
A RY
TATION
E N E R GY
OR
56%
SP
N
A
TR
On-road
transportation
55.3 % Industrial
6.7%
Fugitive gas
0.8 %
Figure 10: Emissions by Sector and Sub-Sector Estimated in Kuala Lumpur BASIC GPC Inventory for 2017
35
Transportation
LPG
On-road Natural Gas

99.4%
Transportation
Diesel
Biodiesel
Railways 0.6%
Petrol
Electricity
GHG emissions (tonnes CO2e)
Figure 11: Transportation Emissions by Sub-Sector and by Fuel Type
On-road transportation contributed 99.4% (13,875,481

tonnes CO2e) of total emissions in the transport sector,
comprising emissions from the combustion of petrol,
diesel, biodiesel and natural gas by vehicles (private
vehicles, taxis, motorcycles, buses and trucks) within the
city boundary. The remaining 0.6% (86,673 tonnes CO2e)
of sectoral emissions are attributable to electrified rail
systems found in the city such as the Mass Rapid Transit
(MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), Express Rail Link (ERL),
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) and Monorail. Due to the
low take-up rate of electric vehicles at the time of this
inventory, emissions related to electricity consumption by
on-road transport are negligible.
HOW WERE THESE EMISSIONS MEASURED?
The emissions generated from on-road transportation For more accurate inventory assessments in the
were calculated based on scaled-down fuel future, other methodologies that could be considered
consumption estimates from national fuel sales data. include data collection from operators of road-
Disaggregated data on fuel sales specifically within usage charges (tolls), which would provide a holistic
the geographic jurisdiction of Kuala Lumpur was not estimate of the number of active vehicles on the
available, therefore national fuel sales data were used, roads in Kuala Lumpur, with inclusion of commuter
with extrapolation based on the number of registered cars that enter and exit the city. Another approach
vehicles within the Federal Territories as a proportion would be collection of vehicle usage data if and when
of the national total. This method may have upwardly the city administers a usage-based vehicle taxation
skewed the estimation of carbon emissions from mechanism, which could provide a clearer rendition
transportation due to the high number of vehicles of vehicles emitting within the city jurisdictions.
registered in Kuala Lumpur relative to the number of
residents; this in turn could relate to the large number
of businesses registered in the city and no legislation
existing on vehicle registration.
36
Stationary Energy the intensity of the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which
The stationary energy sector contributed 41.3% in the future increase cooling demand, carbon emissions
(10,354,689 tonnes CO2e) of total emissions in Kuala and exacerbate heat, through the use of air conditioning.
Lumpur in 2017. Subsidies on electricity, which stabilise the end-user
tariff, might also be a contributing factor to high levels of
Commercial and institutional buildings are the source of electricity usage.
most emissions in the stationary sector, responsible for
58.5% of total emissions in the sector (6,032,192 tonnes Industrial facilities were responsible for 1,691,311 tonnes
of CO2e). These are comprised of emissions related to of CO2e in the stationary energy sector. This is a relatively
electricity usage and combustion of LPG used for cooking small quantity due to the limited manufacturing and
purposes, with the majority coming from electricity industrial activities occurring within the city boundary.
usage. Similarly, the majority of GHG emissions from Fugitive emissions from leakage of natural gas (inclusive
residential buildings (totalling 2,548,414 tonnes of CO2e) of LPG) amount to 0.8% of total emissions (82,772 CO2e)
are attributable to electricity consumption. Multiple in the stationary sector.
studies in Kuala Lumpur have shown an increasing trend in
37
Commercial 58.3%
Residential 24.6%
Industrial 16.3%
LPG
Natural Gas
Fugitive Gas 0.8%
Diesel
Electricity
0
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
,0
,0
,0
,0
,0
,0
0,
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
0
0
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
6,
7,
Figure 12: Stationary Energy Emissions by Sub-Sector and by Fuel Type
HOW WERE THESE EMISSIONS MEASURED?
Due to the challenges and limitations in data Future GHG inventories for Kuala Lumpur should
availability and estimating, emissions from usage develop methodologies to include such emissions
of small-scale generators have not been included in from generators. Additionally, feed-in electrical
this GHG inventory. The quantity of emissions from connection points may be considered for the venues
small, likely inefficient, generators, which are typically for cultural, arts and sporting activities, which would
diesel-fuelled, is therefore unknown. Cultural, arts potentially be a long-term solution to remove this
and sporting events, as well as the ‘Pasar Malam’, particular emissions source, as part of the city’s
often employ diesel generators to provide a source move towards carbon neutrality.
of temporary electric power. Most high-rise buildings
also have back-up generators, which are turned
on periodically for short periods for maintenance
purposes.
“In the development of the KLCAP2050,

an updated GHG Emissions Inventory for
base year 2017 was developed for Kuala
Lumpur. The City recorded emissions of
25,094,052 tonnes CO2e, or 14.0 tonnes of
CO2e per capita.”
38
Waste waste) generated in Kuala Lumpur would be incinerated
The waste sector generated 3% (777,209 tonnes CO2e) in facilities outside the city boundary, causing a further
of total emissions in Kuala Lumpur in 2017. The waste 2,269 tonnes CO2e of Scope 3 emissions. Due to the
sector for KL is comprised of emissions from solid waste poor segregation of waste as well as a lack of collection
and wastewater disposal and management. infrastructure and composting facilities, composting of
organic waste is not widely adopted in Kuala Lumpur. Only
With more than 709,000 tonnes of waste generated in a small share of emissions (0.2%) came from composting in
Kuala Lumpur being sent to landfill, approximately 572,481 the waste sector, totalling 1,355 tonnes of CO2e in 2017—
tonnes of CO2e were emitted from decomposition. With an this despite the considerable proportion of food waste
absence of landfill sites within the city boundary, the waste overall in Kuala Lumpur’s waste stream.
was transported to neighbouring states for treatment, and
is, therefore, accounted for as Scope 3 emissions (waste Wastewater is the second largest source of emissions
generated within the city but disposed of outside of city (25.9%) in the waste sector, amounting to 201,104 tonnes
boundaries). Similarly, hazardous waste (including clinical of CO2e, which primarily originated from the treatment of
domestic wastewater.
Landfill 73.7%
Wastewater 25.9%
Incineration 0.3%
CO2
Composting 0.2%
CH4
N2O
0
00
00
00
00
00
00
00
0
0
0,
0,
0,
0,
0,
0,
0,
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Figure 13: Waste Emissions by Waste Disposal Method
39
Tracking Carbon Emissions & on accuracy and completeness may be made through
Future Inventory Iterations the estimation methodologies and data sources used in
The GHG Emissions inventory is a crucial mechanism to the development of the inventory. As highlighted in the
quantify and estimate, track, report and evaluate a city’s section above, the current inventory has components
carbon emissions as well as to measure its progress in where scaled-down regional or national data were
implementing climate action. An updated inventory can used in lieu of Kuala Lumpur-specific data. With each
give an indication to KLCH of the extent to which the iteration of Kuala Lumpur’s city-wide inventory in the
initiatives and actions implemented for climate change future, KLCH aims to invest in its capacity for data
mitigation have resulted in actual GHG, or its equivalent in collection and retention to improve the accuracy and
carbon emissions reductions over time. completeness of its GHG emissions data. The improved
quality of GHG quantification will be a valuable input to
Certain data challenges were identified during the robust monitoring, reporting and evaluation of ongoing
development of the 2017 GHG emissions inventory, which implementation of action, as well as for updated
also impacted the consequent modelling of the Business- scenario modelling.
as-Usual scenario. Within the GPC standards, trade-offs
Carbon Emissions Trajectory Under Business-as-Usual (BaU) Scenario

Based on the GHG Inventory, which presents the base All of these will contribute to Kuala Lumpur’s sectoral
year carbon emissions profile for the city of Kuala Lumpur, emissions reductions to meet a 1.5 degree scenario as
several scenarios for Kuala Lumpur’s future carbon committed to in Deadline 2020.
emissions profile were established. The objectives for
undertaking scenario modelling of emissions reductions in This section highlights the development of the Business-
2030 and 2050 include: as-Usual (BaU) Scenario for the city up to 2050. The
BaU scenario represents the baseline forecast, which is
• To provide strategic-level analysis to help the city
a ‘no additional action scenario’ where current trends
identify and prioritise greenhouse gas reduction
and initiatives are carried out, but with no additional
strategies and low carbon infrastructure actions
ambitious mitigation efforts implemented by the city or
• To allow the city to see quickly the impacts on other entities. The baseline forecast serves as a reference
emissions from different proposed policies, against which the impact of emissions reduction scenarios
projects and implementation assumptions can be measured.
• To help develop and compare multiple scenarios
that identify paths towards carbon neutrality The data utilised to develop the BaU scenario for Kuala
Lumpur up to 2050 was based primarily on two data sets—
• To ensure that scenarios and emissions reduction population and GDP, taken from the World Bank Malaysia
strategies are developed on city-specific robust activity Economic Report, as well as feedback from engagement
data and modelling methodology that reflects the city’s sessions with various KLCH departments. The resulting
context and conditions economic and population projection details are as follows
for two key milestone years, 2030 and 2050:
Table 4: Projected Economic & Population Data
DATA PROJECTION 2030 2050

GDP Growth Rate 4.5% 3.5%
GDP (RM billion) 399 850
Population Growth Rate 1.0% 0.7%
Population (million) 2.1 2.3
Technical Notes
1. Final GDP Growth Rates were set at 0.5% higher than the World Bank Report’s figures, as this was on National Projections and Kuala Lumpur’s GDP has
historically performed higher than national GDP.
2. Population projections were initially based on the World Bank Report’s figures, then adjusted to result in Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and
KLSP2040 projected figures for 2030 and 2040; 2050’s follows this adjusted trend.
40
In establishing the BaU scenario, KLCH took into It should be noted that realised (actual and recorded)
consideration the city context and data such as geography, economic and population growth data can differ
demographics, economic and sectoral data, such as considerably from what is projected, as any type of
building floor areas and, where available, corresponding forecasting has its limitations and is dependent on
emissions data. Sub-sector specific trends based on underlying assumptions. With every iteration of scenario
historical data such as real estate and employment growth modelling in the future, these assumptions should be
rates were also considered to ensure that the BaU scenario refined based on any available and improved datasets.
is developed to be a close estimate of the projected
growth of Kuala Lumpur.
70,000,000
58,641,882
60,000,000
46,796,255
50,000,000
tonnes CO2e/year
36,241,841
40,000,000
25,094,052
30,000,000
20,000,000
10,000,000
0
2017 2030 2040 2050
Figure 14: Emissions Forecasts from 2017 up to 2050
It is projected that, without ambitious actions undertaken by KLCH, the carbon emissions for the city of Kuala Lumpur will
increase by 2.3 times by 2050 from the base year emissions of 2017.
41
A 2050 Carbon Neutrality Scenario for Kuala Lumpur
Following the development of the BaU baseline scenario, Kuala Lumpur’s Carbon Emissions
potential carbon emissions reduction scenarios were Reductions Scenarios
explored for the city of Kuala Lumpur to reach carbon Two climate action carbon emissions reduction scenarios
neutrality by 2050. Based on Kuala Lumpur’s commitment were developed:
to Deadline 2020 (D2020), Kuala Lumpur, in this
i. Council-Led Scenario: This is driven by strategies and
KLCAP2050, is committed to achieving a 60% reduction
actions that are ambitious yet achievable within the authority
in its absolute carbon emissions by 2030 and to achieving
of KLCH, and includes collaboration at Federal government
carbon neutrality by 2050; the pathway to achieve this
level and the implementation of all existing National policies.
commitment will be detailed in this section.
This scenario modelled the impact of actions from the
KLLCSBP2030 and this KLCAP2050, highlighting the carbon
From the KLLCSBP2030, Kuala Lumpur has an existing
emissions reductions that KLCH-led initiatives can produce.
2030 target of 70% carbon emissions reduction per
unit of GDP, based on the 2010 baseline. Taking into ii. Integrated Approach Scenario: This scenario relies
account projected GDP growth, this actually translates on an integrated approach across KLCH, the Federal
to an absolute increase of 40% in Kuala Lumpur’s carbon government and other agencies to overcome existing
emissions by 2030 from its 2010 baseline. The Climate barriers. It highlights the potential emissions reductions
Action Plan, therefore, aims to identify ambitious actions that can occur if all parties align policies in an integrated
which can instead achieve the required reductions in manner and commit to high targets to complement these
absolute emissions under the D2020 commitment. policies. This scenario is mostly comprised of strategies
and actions that are higher in ambition than those in the
Using the updated base year carbon emissions profile of Council-Led Scenario, often due to the limitations of
2017 (as described in the previous section), two future authority and influence of KLCH as the city council.
carbon emissions scenarios were developed to identify
carbon emissions reductions trajectories which: For transparency and clarity in reporting, KLCH will report
the three indicators listed below, emphasising their
• Meet Kuala Lumpur’s carbon emissions reduction target
commitment in providing ambitious and readily comparable
based on a Council-Led Scenario to 2030, aligned with
targets:
KLLCSBP2030 targets
1. An intensity unit comparison to the BaU scenario such as
• Highlight how an Integrated Approach Scenario to 2030
‘per unit GDP’ and ‘per capita’
can deliver the carbon emissions reduction target which
is aligned with Deadline 2020 commitments 2. An absolute estimation of tonnes CO2e reduced in
comparison to the base year emissions
Ensures Kuala Lumpur’s carbon emissions are significantly
3. An absolute comparison to the BaU scenario, expressed
reduced to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. These two
in % reduction
scenarios are outlined below.
As noted in the table below, both scenarios show the need

for ambitious climate action to achieve Kuala Lumpur’s
targets.
Table 5: Comparison of Projected Absolute CO2 Emissions Scenarios
SCENARIO 2030 PROJECTED 2030 CHANGE 2030 TONNES 2050 PROJECTED 2050 CHANGE 2050 TONNES
CO2 EMISSIONS VERSUS CO2 PER CO2 EMISSIONS VERSUS CO2 PER
kt CO2e/year3 BASE YEAR PERSON kt CO2e/year BASE YEAR PERSON
EMISSIONS EMISSIONS
(2017)* (2017)*
Business-as-Usual 36,242 17.3 58,620 25.5

Council-Led 21,647 -13.7% 10.3 24,588 -2.0% 10.7
Integrated Approach 11,132 -55.6% 5.3 4,171 -83.4% 1.8
*2017 is the Base Year for the KLCAP2050 and the Carbon Emissions for the year was 25,094 kt CO2e
N.B. Projected data must be evaluated regularly, with 5-year cycles encourages, as economic events and unforeseen issues (such as global pandemics) can
severely impact growth projections.
3
kt CO2e/yr = thousand tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year
42
In the Council-Led scenario, KLCH would achieve the if existing barriers to action are overcome, which will
current KLLCSBP2030 targets, but further actions are require strong coordination and collaboration among all
needed to achieve D2020 commitments, especially stakeholders, including supportive and ambitious policy
in further reducing the GHG emissions beyond 2030 shifts from the Federal Government. KLCH is committed
towards carbon neutrality by 2050. to the collaborative approaches required to achieve the
actions in the Integrated Approach scenario and advocates
The Integrated Approach scenario demonstrates that strongly for the vertical integration of policies with the
Kuala Lumpur will be able to achieve significant carbon Federal Government, as well as horizontal integration
emissions reductions by 2030, and further significant across various city stakeholders, including the private
reduction over the ensuing decades towards carbon sector and communities.
neutrality by 2050. This scenario would be possible
Council-Led Scenario Integrated Approach Scenario

70,000,000 70,000,000
60,000,000 60,000,000
tonnes/CO2 e/year
tonnes/CO2 e/year
50,000,000 50,000,000
40,000,000 40,000,000
30,000,000 30,000,000
20,000,000 20,000,000
10,000,000 10,000,000
0 0
2050
2017
2030
2040
2050
2017
2030
2040
Electricity Generation Transport Efficiency
Building & Industrial Energy Efficiency Waste
Modeling Result Council-Led Scenario Integrated Approach Scenario
The forecasted carbon emissions reductions 55% by 2030 +22% by 2030

based on intensity per unit GDP (compared
against base year of 2017): 76% by 2050 +20% by 2050
The absolute carbon emissions reductions 13.7% by 2030 +41.9% by 2030

from the base year of 2017:
2% by 2050 +81.4% by 2050
Carbon Emissions Reductions from BaU Scenario
2030 2050
30% 58%
+ =
93%
decrease
40%
decrease +
decrease
70%
decrease
35%
decrease
=
decrease
Council-Led Scenario Integrated Approach Scenario
Figure 15: Emissions Trajectories Under Both Council-Led and Integrated Approach Scenarios
*Projections of BaU Scenario, Council-Led Scenario and the Integrated Scenario are based on C40’s Pathways tool and estimated projection and historical
trends in Kuala Lumpur
43
Key Strategies for Carbon Emissions Reductions in Kuala Lumpur
Several key strategies were identified at a sectoral level for Kuala Lumpur to achieve its carbon emissions reduction
targets. These are summarised below and further outlined in following sections.
Table 6: Sectoral Emissions Reduction Potential with Identified Key Strategies
CARBON EMISSIONS
SECTOR* SCENARIO REDUCTION POTENTIAL KEY STRATEGIES
(of sectoral BaU emissions)
2030 2050
Electricity Generation Council-Led 7.1% 13.2% 1. Grid decarbonisation—based
on existing targets by the Federal
Government
Integrated 36.6% 30.6% 2. Distributed renewable energy—

Approach Building-integrated photovoltaics
(BIPV) solar and other renewable
energy (RE) uptake
• Integrated Approach scenario

increases both strategies immensely;
relies on robust Federal policy such
as removing fossil fuels from the grid
by 2050.
Building Council-Led 11.4% 23.3% 1. New building energy efficiency—

largely building envelope and
equipment efficiency (as below for
existing buildings)
Integrated 13.7% 26.5%
Approach 2. Existing building energy efficiency
— largely equipment efficiency
(air conditioning, lighting, water
heating and other equipment, to a
lesser extent retrofitting for building
envelope)

increases penetration of high
efficiency equipment, requiring strong
push from Federal Government to
increase incentives, and remove
subsidies/create barriers for low
efficiency equipment.
Transportation Council-Led 50.1% 68.2% 1. Modal shift—from private vehicles

to public transport and active mobility
2. Fuel efficiency—decreased diesel

usage and increased electrification
Integrated 65.5% 93.1%
of vehicles
Approach
derives most changes from high
uptake of electrification of vehicles,
requiring a strong push through
federal incentives for electric
vehicles (EVs).
*Waste and Industry are excluded as their respective share of total emissions is minimal
44
Council-Led Scenario
In this scenario, the city council, KLCH, has the authority and power to implement actions to achieve carbon emissions
reductions.
The Council-Led Scenario would be achieved largely via existing KLLCSBP2030 actions (some of which are prioritised
in this KLCAP2050), working within existing Federal policies and plans, such as the National Renewable Energy Policy
and Action Plan (NREPAP), National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP), National Transport Policy (NTP) and publicly
declared renewable energy targets. The details of actions and their related targets can be found in Chapter 4.
Based on the modelling, as illustrated in Table 6: the Council-Led Scenario cannot achieve the required D2020 targets
in year 2030, nor in 2050. The shortfall is largely due to the lack of power and capacity for KLCH to implement more
ambitious actions, such as those that influence community behavioural changes, commercial market priorities and the
policies of Federal ministries and agencies. For example, KLCH is unable to mandate and provide high levels of tax
exemptions, subsidies or other incentives for vehicle owners in order to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles; nor
does KLCH have the power to remove subsidies from fossil fuel for electricity and transportation use.
“The Integrated Approach Scenario

will reduce future emissions compared with
BaU scenario forecast levels by
70% in 2030 and 93% in 2050.”
45
Strategies to Address Remaining Emissions from Council-Led Scenario
The emissions that would remain after taking the actions in the Council-Led Scenario provide an insight into the
sectoral opportunities for either increasing the ambition of actions or pinpointing additional actions necessary for the
achievement of KLCH’s Deadline 2020 targets. These opportunities are analysed and documented in the Integrated
Approach Scenario. In the Council-Led Scenario, the key remaining emissions sources by 2050 come from residential,
commercial and institutional buildings, industrial energy, and on-road transportation as shown below. These emissions
are primarily due to the heavy reliance on fossil fuels in Malaysia—both for generation of electricity power and
transportation fuels.
8,951,560
10,000,000
9,000,000
6,428,494
8,000,000
7,000,000
tonnes CO2e/year
6,000,000
5,000,000
2,413,464
2,196,131
4,000,000
3,000,000
995,719
376,303
2,000,000
207,050
82,772
1,670
1,000,000
0
I.1 Residential
institutional
I.3, I.4, I.5, I.6

I.2 Commercial /
Industrial and
other combined
I.8 Fugitive
emissions
(oil and gas)
II.1 On-road
II.2 Railways
III.1 Solid waste
III.2 Biological
waste
III.4 Wastewater
Figure 16: Kuala Lumpur’s Remaining Emissions from Council-Led Scenario in 2050
46
To address these remaining emissions, several key strategies were identified that will be required for Kuala Lumpur to
meet its D2020 interim 2030 and eventual 2050 targets:
Table 7: Key Strategies Required for Kuala Lumpur to Achieve its Deadline 2020 Commitment
KEY STRATEGIES DESCRIPTION
Decarbonising the electricity grid & Increasing RE generation for the electricity grid and encouraging building-
increasing building-integrated integrated renewable energy, driven by incentives set/provided through
photovoltaics (BIPV) Federal Government and its agencies.
Transport electrification Moving away from fossil-fuel motorised vehicles will require strong
federal-level policies, such as decreasing fossil fuel subsidies, removing
high taxes on imported electric vehicles, and providing incentives for
electric vehicle uptake.
Energy efficiency in residential, Federal policy and incentives to drive retrofitting of equipment with new
commercial and institutional buildings, high energy efficiency models such as air conditioning, lighting, water
& industrial energy efficiency heating, industrial process equipment.
While fossil fuel and electricity costs remain low and subsidised, implementing many of these actions will be challenging.
The Integrated Approach Scenario explores the potential carbon emissions reduction that could occur if there were
aligned targets and strong collaboration in policy and implementation across different stakeholders.
The Integrated Approach Scenario

This more ambitious scenario can achieve targets that
cannot be met under the Council-Led Scenario by
identifying and implementing key strategies involving
shifts in policy at Federal Government level. The
modelling for this scenario identifies the existing barriers
to overcome to make it possible for KLCH to achieve its
D2020 targets.
The strategies identified in the Integrated Approach

Scenario are not within KLCH’s control, due to limits in
authority and capacity and political, financial, governance,
technical and market barriers. That said, KLCH is able
to play a leading role in advocating for solutions which
can be implemented at Federal or sub-national levels to
overcome these barriers.
47
Residual Emissions • Solid Waste: Jurisdiction over waste management
Residual emissions are the emissions determined as being policies falls under a separate Federal ministry, while
too challenging to eliminate. The scenario modelling enforcement is governed by a different agency and
indicates that even if barriers to emissions reduction their contractors
could be removed through the strategies and actions • Commercial & Institutional Buildings: While the
included under the Integrated Approach Scenario there emissions from this source under the Integrated
would be residual emissions in the city of Kuala Lumpur. scenario decrease by over 80%, the many high-rise
These would include situations where no known mitigation buildings in Kuala Lumpur will have limited scope
technology exists or where a low emission alternative is to offset their carbon emissions through building-
likely to remain technically or economically non-viable integrated RE generation
for the foreseeable future. From initial investigations, it is
• On-road transportation: residual emissions remain
projected that Kuala Lumpur’s primary residual emissions
here largely due to the lack of authority for KLCH to
sources in 2050 would be (top 3):
regulate and enforce changes in private transportation,
as well as the possible impact of continued low or even
subsidised cost of fossil fuel
7,872,564
10,000,000
7,708,691
9,000,000
8,000,000
4,914,574
7,000,000
tonnes CO2e/year
6,000,000
5,000,000
2,007,182
4,000,000 1,201,259
3,000,000
567,691
249,046
2,000,000
82,772
2,262
1,000,000
0
I.3, I.4, I.5, I.6
I.1 Residential
I.2 Commercial /
institutional
Industrial and
other combined
I.8 Fugitive
emissions
(oil and gas)
II.1 On-road
II.2 Railways
III.1 Solid waste
III.2 Biological
waste
III.4 Wastewater
Figure 17: Kuala Lumpur’s Residual Emissions in 2050
The residual emissions in 2050 total to 4,171,983 tonnes incentives from both the Federal and city level. Federal
CO2e per year, even after exhausting all actions in the Government can create more accessible policies and
Council-Led and Integrated Approach scenarios. With the tax exemption incentives, while local government such
above understanding of the contributing sectors, KLCH will as KLCH can offer favourable licence rates for business
maintain an up-to-date estimate of residual emissions via operations that undertake such green initiatives.
future iterations of GPC inventories and scenario modelling
and continue to explore possible solutions to address For further details and understanding of the barriers for
these residual emissions. implementing carbon reduction strategies and actions in
Kuala Lumpur and how they may be overcome, please refer
Potential solutions include carbon off-sets, where available. to Chapter 5.
For Malaysia, green energy purchase can be strongly
advocated for the private sector through collaborative
48
How Will Kuala Lumpur Achieve its 2030 & 2050 Targets?
While KLCH is capable of implementing the prioritised actions as part of its commitment to D2020, to surpass its existing
2030 target and achieve carbon neutrality KLCH will require collaboration with all stakeholders across the city:
Table 8: Stakeholders to Engage and their Roles in Achieving KLCH Carbon Neutrality Targets
STAKEHOLDER ROLES
Federal
Set ambitious policy direction and targets
government
Federal
Authority and mandate
agencies
Government-linked
Delivery partners
corporations
Private businesses
Partnerships and implementers
of all sizes
Communities Partnerships and community-driven implementers
NGOs & social

Partnerships and implementers
enterprises
The city can implement interventions within its authority; where it lacks authority, significant collaboration will be required.
KLCH also intends to develop partnerships for action implementation, which can be fostered through stakeholder
engagement. Significant private business and community-led based actions will also be required, along with considerable
push from and alignment with the Federal Government and its agencies.
49
Climate Hazards
in Kuala Lumpur
As well as taking action to mitigate climate evaluate climate-related trends that have
change by reducing the carbon emissions been monitored over recent decades, as
from the city, Kuala Lumpur must also well as the projection of climate hazards
understand and take action to protect itself which lie ahead for Kuala Lumpur. Climate
from the hazards which arise from existing hazards are defined as threatening
and ongoing climate change. climate events that have the potential to
cause damage or harm to humans, assets
To understand better the climate hazards and natural systems. Kuala Lumpur is
faced by Kuala Lumpur, a Qualitative Climate already in recent history facing increasing
Risk Assessment (QCRA) was conducted to occurrence and intensity of such events.
Identified Hazards & Historical Trends

For the city of Kuala Lumpur, the QCRA identified three downstream rainfall at an unprecedented intensity; while
key climate hazards: heat, floods and storms, and there were no casualties, significant economic damage
drought. and disruption occurred.
As the city is located inland, it does not directly face the There is a series of collateral consequences associated
climate change challenges which threaten coastal cities with Kuala Lumpur’s three key climate hazards which are
due to sea level rise and associated consequences such as outlined in this next section of the CAP. Overarching
saltwater intrusion. impacts include disruption to the population and
economic activities, as well as public health consequences.
With its tropical climate, Kuala Lumpur has experienced
flooding, with historical events such as the Great Kuala
Lumpur Floods of 1971 etched in older residents’
memories. Over the years, as the city underwent rapid
development, improvements have been made to Kuala
Lumpur’s infrastructure to manage flood risk, among
them the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel
(‘SMART’)4 and two stormwater diverters at the Keroh
and Gombak Rivers.
It is important to note, however, that the climate has

continued to change, as reflected in historical tracking
of the city’s temperature and rainfall data; existing
adaptation measures might not maintain their efficacy
in the face of more intense climate events. Kuala Lumpur
is already experiencing these hazards, with worsening
impacts observed over time, and these trends are
expected to continue as the climate continues to change.
One recent example is the September 2020 floods, when
area surrounding the confluence of the Gombak and
Klang rivers overflowed due to heavy upstream and
4
http://smarttunnel.com.my/
50
Heat
According to the Third National Communication and Second Biannual Update Report, Peninsula Malaysia has witnessed
0.24°C increase in average temperature since 1970.5 Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas, meanwhile, has recorded
a 1°C increase in average annual temperature over the past 40 years, as shown below. This is attributable largely to the
loss in vegetated land and tree shade cover as well as rapid urban development increasing impermeable surfaces with
high thermal mass.
37.0
35.0
33.0
31.0
29.0
27.0
25.0
0
92
4
98
04
08
06
2
96
94
00
0
02
10
18
12
16
14
8
8
8
8
8
20
20
20
20
19
19
19
20
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
20
20
19
20
20
*No data available for year 2017 Average Yearly Temperature Maximum Monthly Temperature
Figure 18: Average Temperature and Maximum Monthly Temperature, Klang Valley, 1980–20196
Urban Heat Island

The related urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon also “UHIs are caused by
contributes to and compounds this temperature increase
concrete, stone and road
surfaces absorbing large
trend. UHIs are caused by concrete, stone and road
surfaces absorbing large amounts of heat energy from
the sun. This effect is visible during daytime with urban amounts of heat energy from
the sun. This effect is visible
temperatures up to a couple of degrees warmer than
the surrounding countryside, and even more so during
night-time as the fabric of the built environment slowly during daytime with urban
temperatures up to a couple
releases the heat it has absorbed during daytime. With
the rapid and dense urbanisation of Kuala Lumpur, the air
temperature of the city has increased more markedly in of degrees warmer than the
the areas with high built up areas than less build up areas
with tree cover7. The UHI effect drives increased demand
surrounding countryside, and
for energy in buildings for cooling and exacerbates air even more so during night-
pollution issues, affecting residents’ quality of life.
time as the fabric of the built
Exposure to and risk from heat hazards will therefore environment slowly releases
vary across different terrains of the city with the UHI
phenomenon worsening over time.
the heat it has absorbed.”
5
2018, Ministry of Environment and Water (then MESTECC), Malaysia Third National Communication And Second Biennial Update Report To The UNFCCC
6
2020, Malaysian Meteorological Department, Ministry of Environment and Water
7
https://maps.thinkcity.com.my/think-city/maps/106291/land-surface-temperature-of-kuala-lumpur-city-center#
51
Heat & Public Health
It should be noted an increase in temperature can cause the rate of virus multiplication in the Aedes mosquito to increase
as well. This can be noted by the Dengue outbreaks in Kuala Lumpur, which has increased over time as well8.
500
120,000
450
100,000 400
350
80,000
300
60,000 250
200
40,000 150
100
20,000
50
0 0
9
95
05
09
07
03
01
15
19
13
17
11
9
20
20
20
20
20
19
19
19
20
20
20
20
20
Death Cases
Figure 19: Number of Dengue Cases and Deaths in Malaysia9
Additionally, increased temperature affects human health, causing heat strokes and disrupting sleep. The decrease in
outdoor activities by the population in a hotter climate also negatively impacts public health.
Floods & Storms

City dwellers in Kuala Lumpur are already experiencing changes in precipitation patterns. Since 1980, there has been
an upward trend in rainfall intensity10. This has been experienced differently in different parts of the city. The diverse
topography of Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding Klang Valley creates marked differences in rainfall distribution, ranging
from 2000mm to 4000mm11. Areas which historically received less precipitation are now experiencing significantly
increased rainfall—this is correlated with the UHI phenomenon and Kuala Lumpur’s location within a valley. Heavy
downpours in Kuala Lumpur are becoming more extreme, as indicated by maximum precipitation (mm/hour), as shown
below. This places stress on the city’s stormwater management system and has increased the risk of flash floods.
100
Total Linear (Total)
90
80
70
mm per hour
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
80
82
78
00
90
04
08
06
92
88
98
02
96
18
94
84
86
10
12
16
14
19
20
19
19
20
20
20
20
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
19
19
20
20
20
20
Figure 20: Annual Maximum Hourly Precipitation in Kuala Lumpur, 1978–201812
8
2019, The Star, Number of dengue cases set to hit all-time high
9
Ibid.
10
2020, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Ministry of Environment and Water
11
Ibid.
12
Ibid.
52
Flash Floods Klang and Gombak also broke its banks for the first time
Flash floods are mostly caused by heavy downpours, in years, inundating shophouses in the historical area
when stormwater management systems are unable to surrounding Masjid Jamek.14
channel away the sudden high-volume of water flow.
While precipitation plays a major role, clogged drains and Landslide
water channels with decreased capacity also contribute Landslides are a frequent phenomenon in Kuala Lumpur,
to flash floods.13 caused primarily by a combination of extreme rainfall,
faulty maintenance of the drainage system, and exposed
Historically, Kuala Lumpur has had several major floods, slopes. The city is estimated to have the second highest
with significant incidents recorded in 1926, 1971, and in incidence of landslides in the country, with the most
the early 2000s. Up till 2020, no major flooding incident fatal consequences15. In recent years, two landslides
has occurred since the opening of the ‘SMART’ Tunnel in were significant:
2007 and the operation of the Keroh and Gombak River
i. Bukit Ceylon, 2009: A construction worker was killed
Diverters. Nevertheless, it has remained common for
when a landslide occurred in the heart of the city;
‘water ponding’ to occur on roads, which worsens traffic
congestion and exacerbates carbon emissions from on- ii. Puncak Setiawangsa, 2012: Residents of 46 houses
road transportation. In the period between 2016–2019, 50 in this desirable neighbourhood were evacuated due
flash flood hot spots has been identified in Kuala Lumpur. to the failure of a 43-metre-tall engineered slope-
protection wall.
River Flooding
Kuala Lumpur was built along the flood plains of the Klang Floods, Storms & Public Health
River and has been subjected to river flooding since its As Kuala Lumpur is heavily reliant on surface water for its
earliest days. River floods remain a hazard, particularly for water supply, it is also vulnerable to river pollution. Flash
the lower-lying areas in Kuala Lumpur. While flash floods floods and river flooding bring additional contaminants
regularly occur, incidences of river flooding are rarer, into the waterbody, which may induce public health issues.
although they have become more frequent in recent years. Additionally, as residents become exposed to the flooding
Last year, residents of Kuala Lumpur witnessed Sungai water, the cases of water-based vector-borne disease
Toba flooding in Segambut Dalam, which was partially may occur.
caused by poorly managed construction sites; Sungai
13
2018, Bhuiyan et al., Direct Impact of Flash Floods in Kuala Lumpur City: Secondary Data-Based Analysis
14
2020, Beria Harian, Terowong Smartt Menyelamatkan Ibu Negara daripada Banjir
https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/09/730395/terowong-smart-selamatkan-ibu-kota-daripada-banjir
15
2018, The Star, Malaysia among countries especially prone to landslides
53
Drought
Although Kuala Lumpur has received abundant levels of With the changing climate, the city has experienced
rainfall in the last 50 years, water shortages still occur. prolonged dry periods, as well as changes to the
It has been observed that there is a visible correlation locational pattern of rainfall. As a result, water catchment
between the El Niño global climate phenomenon and areas have experienced decreasing rainfall, causing
the city’s drought events conditions. El Niño conditions water levels at reservoirs to drop. During the drought
occur when abnormally warm water accumulates in periods of 1998 and 2014, water rationing measures were
tropical latitudes of the central and eastern Pacific required due to low water level in the reservoirs that serve
Ocean. Consequently, tropical rains that would fall over Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding Klang Valley.
Southeast Asia shift eastwards. This results in increased
temperature and drought conditions in many parts of
Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur16.
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
Very strong
Very strong El Ninõ Very strong
2000
El Ninõ Strong Strong Weak El Ninõ
1000 El Ninõ El Ninõ El Ninõ
500
0
80
82
78
00
90
04
08
06
92
88
98
02
96
18
94
84
86
10
12
16
14
19
20
19
19
20
20
20
20
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
19
19
20
20
20
20
Total Linear (Total)
Figure 21: Total Annual Precipitation in Kuala Lumpur (mm) vs the Scale of El Niño Phenomenon, 1978–201817
Water Stress Sinkholes

Water stress, which is commonly defined as the ratio Sinkholes have occurred throughout the years in the city
of demand for water by society divided by available of Kuala Lumpur, mostly in areas where the underlying
renewable surface and groundwater supplies, is an geological composition is based on limestone. Roads
indicator of competition for water resources18. An increase are also particularly prone to the hazard, due to a lack
in water stress indicates increased competition among of structural support elements in their construction.
users. The demand for water grows along with population
growth, meaning that periodic drops in water supply in Air pollution from the city tends to increase the acidity of
Kuala Lumpur become more critical as the city grows. rainfall, which corrodes limestone and further exacerbate
the incidences of sinkholes.
The main source of water for Kuala Lumpur is the Sungai
Selangor Dam, which has been identified as vulnerable Drought & Public Health
to drought19. In 2014–2015, Sungai Selangor Dam With shortage of water during dry spells, health
experienced several months of storage levels at below hazards can emerge. According to the World Health
50% capacity20. An increase in water stress would hit Organisation, drought may lead to acute and chronic
the urban poor the hardest, due to their general lack health effects, including dehydration, malnutrition,
of resources and access to alternative supply increased risk of infectious diseases due to worsened
(e.g. bottled water, alternative food supplies) and sanitary conditions, mental health issues, and disruptions
worsened sanitary conditions, at odds with KLCH’s goal to local healthcare provision. 21
of inclusive development.
16
2019, Free Malaysia Today, Temperatures could hit 40°C in some parts of Malaysia, expert warns
17
2020, Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Ministry of Environment and Water
18
2015, WRI, Aqueduct Water Stress Projections Data: Ratio of water withdrawal to supply, SSP2 RCP8.5 scenario, 2040
19
2018, Ministry of Environment and Water (then MESTECC), Malaysia Third National Communication And Second Biennial Update Report To The UNFCCC
20
Ibid.
21
N.d, World Health Organisation, Drought—Impact
54
Projections to 2050 and
Risk Assessments Maximum Yearly Temperature
Based on the established climate hazards for Kuala Lumpur

and the consequential impacts that have been identified
NOW 2050
and outlined above, this section of the KLCAP2050
will identify the projected impacts on the city and its
population in 2050, based on the IPCC Representative
Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario. 22
Heat 33.5°C 37.2°C

Even with climate change mitigation measures, the
temperature on Earth is still expected to rise. In Kuala
Lumpur, under a worst case scenario, the maximum Cooling Degree Days
NOW 2050
yearly temperatures are expected to increase up to 3.5°C
to 4°C. 23 Kuala Lumpur has been projected to experience
a substantial increase in cooling degree days24 over
coming years—rising by 500 days in 2050. Increased heat
in the city may also further increase carbon emissions
from electricity usage, driven by the increased need of
air conditioning.
3,500 +500
With the anticipated increase in heat, the following
associated risks have been identified to inform adaptation
Figure 22: Projected Increase in Temperature and
measures required in Kuala Lumpur:
Cooling Degree Days in Kuala Lumpur by 205025
INCREASED HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES INCREASED ENERGY AND

Extreme heat conditions can lead to heat- WATER DEMAND
related diseases such as dengue fever In Kuala Lumpur, there is already a
and heat stroke, which may be fatal. high level of energy consumption
The elderly and outside labour workers for indoor cooling; this is liable to
High Risk are particularly vulnerable. Medium Risk increase as temperatures rise. During
heat waves, water use also increases,
AIR POLLUTION potentially adding to simultaneous
Heat increases the impact of air water stress issues.
pollution and haze conditions. Some
air-borne pollutants are linked to COMFORT AND QUALITY OF LIFE
health problems, including respiratory Being outside in the sun is becoming
High Risk diseases; and also environmental increasingly uncomfortable in Kuala
damage, such as acid rain. Lumpur, causing people to stay at home,
which may lead to less active lifestyles and
CHANGE IN WEATHER PATTERN Medium Risk related long-term public health challenges
In hot conditions, the likelihood of (including obesity, heart disease, and
weather extremes, such as heavy rainfall mental health problems). Cooling costs
and hailstorms will increase, which may also go up with the increased time spent
subsequently induce the occurrence indoors, potentially further exacerbating
High Risk of hazardous phenomena such as flash risks related to stress and mental health,
floods and sinkholes. particularly for the less affluent.
22
RCPs are scenarios that include time series of emissions and concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols and chemically active gases, as well as land use/land cover.
RCP 8.5 is a high pathway for which radiative forcing reaches greater than 8.5 W m-2 by 2100 and continues to rise for some amount of time.
23
2018, Berg et al.; 2010, Yang et al.; Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), Maximum monthly values of daily maximum temperature: reference period (1971-2000) versus future
projection (2041-2070), RCP8.5, based on CMIP5 ensemble mean
24
Cooling degree days is another indicator used to measure increased heat and the associated ‘cooling load’ requirement from air conditioning. The indicator is calculated as the sum
of degrees that the daily average temperature is above 18.3°C, as per the U.S. Energy Information Agency.
25
2018. NASA. NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections (NEX-GDDP); 2018. Vizzuality, Cooling degree days, derived from NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily
Downscaled Projections (NEX-GDDP) RCP8.5
55
Floods & Storms
With extreme cloudbursts expected to become more
Extreme Rainfall Over 24 Hours
intense in the future due to climate change, floods and
(1:50 years)
storms continue to pose significant risk for the city of Kuala
2050 2100
Lumpur and its inhabitants. The likelihood of river flooding
and flash floods is expected to increase towards 2050
and beyond.
An indicator of the worsening precipitation events is the

amount of rainfall over a 24-hour period with an intensity
that happens only once every 50 years. By 2050, this
number is expected to increase to 327mm of rainfall, as
compared to the projected 2025 level at at 300mm. As a
2025
comparison, the 10 September 2020 floods saw rainfalls 300mm +27mm +114mm
of between 150–200mm at various points over five hours,
throughout Kuala Lumpur. 26
With the anticipated increase in the occurrence and

severity of floods and storms, the following associated
risks have been identified to inform adaptation measures
required in Kuala Lumpur:
DISRUPTION OF TRAFFIC
In Kuala Lumpur, where traffic is already
heavy and congested, extreme rainfall
has a larger impact on travel times, due to
difficult driving conditions, flooding and
Very accidents. Climate change is expected
High Risk to bring higher peak flows, causing more
areas to be flooded. From 2030 to 2050, Figure 23: Projected Extreme Rainfall in Kuala Lumpur
it has been estimated that approximately in 2100 and Downtown Flooding 27
30 additional kilometres of road would be

exposed to flooding. DAMAGE TO BUILDINGS
AND INFRASTRUCTURE
LANDSLIDES
Flooding can have a devastating effect
The changing climate is expected to
on ground and underground level
increase the intensity and frequency
houses, business premises and municipal
of extreme rainfall events that trigger
Medium Risk infrastructure. Similar to traffic accidents,
landslides. Landslides have many
the urban poor may be impacted by
High Risk adverse effects, including but not
relatively larger losses due to their limited
limited to blocking traffic and causing
resources and the prohibitive cost of
damage to buildings, and at worst,
insurance coverage.
human life.
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS MAINTENANCE COSTS

Under wet conditions, incidence of With increased risk of flooding,
traffic accidents increases significantly, good maintenance of the stormwater
causing harm to victims, damage management system and rivers are
to cars, infrastructure and other critical. Additionally, flooding events
High Risk property, and subsequent personal Medium Risk may cause damage to infrastructure and
and economic burdens. The B40 buildings in the city, with costs required
communities would be particularly at for necessary repair and refurbishment.
risk due to their comparatively lower
level of insurance coverage and higher
usage of two-wheeled vehicles.
26
2020, New Straits Times, KL can’t handle more than 70mm, says hydrologist
27
2014. NAHRIM. Extension Study on the Impacts of Climate Change on the Hydrological Regime and Water Resources of Peninsular Malaysia Return Period Precipitation for 24, 48
and Accumulated Precipitation over the Kelang Watershed.
56
Drought
With the changing climate compounded by the El Niño
phenomenon, Kuala Lumpur is projected to endure more Longest Dry Spell
frequent and prolonged periods of drought. While the
overall level of precipitation is expected to increase, it is
expected that the precipitation pattern will include longer
NOW 2050
dry spells and more extreme downpours.
According to climate modelling, by 2050, February and

March in Kuala Lumpur are expected to be dryer than at
present, and the length of days without rain, i.e. a ‘dry
spell’, to increase to 45 days in a worst case projection. 28
With more dry/drought conditions expected, the following

38 days +7 days
associated risks have been identified to inform adaptation
measures required in Kuala Lumpur:
Change in effective precipitation
DISRUPTION TO BUSINESS
OPERATIONS
Drought conditions lead to changes
in water availability, which may cause
disruptions to many day-to-day
High Risk activities for businesses.
2050
INCREASED DRINKING WATER
SHORTAGE
Long dry spells have caused issues in
water availability in Kuala Lumpur as
upstream dams deplete. According to Figure 24: Projected Dry Spell and Change in Effective
High Risk the Ministry of Environment and Water, Precipitation in Kuala Lumpur by 205029
by 2040 the Dam Sungai Selangor may
face significant dry spells with a return
period of more than 10 years. The World HEALTH ISSUES
Resource Institute (WRI) indicates that Particulate matters suspended in hotter
the current low level of water stress will air can irritate lungs, causing chronic
worsen to a high level by 204030. Water respiratory illnesses, increasing the
rationing measures may be needed more burden on the healthcare system.
often, disproportionately impacting poor Medium Risk Growing studies have indicated a
communities, who struggle to access strong link between air pollution and
alternative resources and more directly cardiovascular disease as well.
affected by impacts on sanitation.
LANDSLIDES
While landslides are directly caused
TRANSBOUNDARY HAZE by rainfall, the risk of landslides
Under dry conditions, haze from is also increased after periods of
transboundary fires can stay in the drought, especially in exposed areas.
air over a long period, adding to air Medium Risk Considering the potential loss of green
pollution and increased public health areas if urbanisation development
High Risk risks in the city. continues in future, the landslide risk
may increase further.
28
2018, Berg et al.; Copernicus Climate Change Service, Maximum number of consecutive dry days (daily precipitation < 1mm) over a 30 year period
29
2018, Berg et al.; Copernicus Climate Change Service, Maximum number of consecutive dry days (daily precipitation < 1mm) over a 30 year period,
Change in effective precipitation over a 30 year period. RCP8.5 ensemble average
30
2015, WRI, Aqueduct Water Stress Projections Data
57
Key Strategies for Climate-Related Risk Reduction in Kuala Lumpur
KLCH is determined to develop and implement strategic Developing Goals & Strategies to
climate actions to address the adaptation considerations Decrease Climate Risk
outlined in the previous section. KLCH will plan and KLCH aims to work towards significantly reducing the risks
prepare for the identified high-risk climate hazards that and impacts of climate hazards and simultaneously build
have already been occurring in the municipality of Kuala the long-term resilience of the city and its citizens.
Lumpur and which are likely to worsen over time. In this
CAP, strategies can be integrated with carbon emissions The direction for adaptation goals requires measurable
reduction as well as deliver benefits for the greater targets and strategies. Based on the climate hazards
community, sensitive to the needs of vulnerable and identified and explored in previous sections of this
marginalised groups in the population. CAP, KLCH has identified three goals, with supporting
strategies to guide the development and implementation
As the issue of climate change is complex, uncertain of short- and medium-term interventions. These strategies
and occurs beyond the authority and boundary of Kuala will be translated into implementable actions in the
Lumpur, KLCH will need to collaborate with cross- following chapters.
boundary local authorities as well as state and federal
agencies to plan and implement adaptation actions, Each goal aims to address a specific climate hazard
pooling resources and coordinating to deliver ambitious for the city of Kuala Lumpur, while the strategies
solutions that will have multiple layers of benefits. identified provide the mechanisms for how the goal will
be achieved in reducing the impacts of the climate hazard
by (i) reducing exposure and (ii) increasing adaptive
capacity, as outlined below.
Probability Consequences Risk
Climate Hazard Impact Climate Risk
Exposure Vulnerability Sensitivity Adaptability

Capacity
Figure 25: Managing Climate Risks Through Decreasing Probability and Minimising Potential Consequences
58
Reduce Climate Risk by Reducing Exposure • Data collection and monitoring: Weather monitoring
KLCH will aim to decrease the exposure of the city and and early warning systems
its population to climate risks through infrastructural • Responding to disaster events: Mobilising
upgrades. The strategies associated with this approach emergency rescue squads as well as clean-up crew
include:
• Preparing and building community resilience:
• Reducing Urban Heat Islands in public areas through Raising awareness for community members of potential
increased vegetation canopy over hard surfaces threats due to heat waves (e.g. dehydration)
• Implementing Low Impact Development (LID) or
‘sponge’ effect for the city’s impermeable hardscape The integration of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) principles
• Developing increased water storage capacities to KLCH’s climate adaptation actions will be undertaken
in preparation for drought events as the city develops these strategies further and
collaboratively with relevant partners.
Build Resilience Through Increased Adaptive Capacity
Simultaneously, KLCH will increase the adaptive capacity31 Ambitious and transformative strategies are the focus
of the city and its population through strategies which of this CAP, as KLCH addresses the looming impacts of
include the improved monitoring and of climate hazard climate hazards on the city’s environment, economy and
events, as well as increasing community awareness society. In the following section these high-level strategies
of climate hazards. These strategies are focused on will be translated into actions. KLCH will strive to meet
strengthening the city’s ability to prepare for and withstand adaptation goals by utilising nature-based solutions in
the impacts of climate change, as well as to ‘bounce’ back order to yield the greatest multiple benefits, across climate
from climate hazard events. These strategies include: change mitigation, adaptation and inclusivity.
Heat Flood Drought
Goal: Goal: Goal:

Cooler City by Decreasing Better Protection Increasing Water Security
Urban Heat Island Against Flooding for Residents
Increase street Flood vulnerability Establish target

planting for shade mapping by maximum water
Create
Decrease parliamentary zone Reduce consumption per capita
“Cooler” Depave public space Potable Water
Flash Flooding Low Impact Decrease commercial
Street Network such as roads Consumption
Incidence
Development water consumption
Create low
(LID) solutions Decrease
emission zones
Water body non-revenue water
maintenance &
Climate waterway linear parks
monitoring through City water storage &
neighbourhood level Climate distribution strategy
Increase Increase Increase
‘Cooling’ hubs Resilience monitoring through Resilience Drought management
Resilience
against Heat through community against Floods parliamentary zone against & response plan
infrastructure Early warning Drought
Smart water
Heat management & systems through management through
response plan Multi-Hazard Platform collaborative task
Flood management force across
Adaptive pocket parks & response plan Klang Valley
with sponge capacity
Increase Increase vegetated Decrease Infrastructure
Economic Sustainable Building rainwater
Vegetated building cover on asset vulnerability
Impact of Alternative harvesting & utilisation
Ecosystems land, podium & roof assessment Water
Floods
Alternative water
Increase adaptive Building asset sources & distribution—
water bodies vulnerability greywater and
assessment blackwater recycling
LEGEND FOR STATUS
Ongoing, KLCH is managing well No movement yet, research phase Externally mobilised, requires coordination
Ongoing, however ambition needs No movement yet, action listed in LCS No plans or movement
to increase
Figure 26: KLCH Adaptation Goal Setting and Status
31
Adaptive capacity refers to the ability and willingness of systems to adjust to potential damage, to take advantage of opportunities, or to respond to consequences of climate
change. Systems here can be natural systems, individuals, or institutions such as governments.
59
As an onward
journey from the
KLLCSBP2030, 15
priority climate actions
were identified and defined
through roadmaps across five
strategic areas to be implemented
by 2030 and 2050. These priority
actions were selected based on their
potential in delivering emissions
reductions and climate resilience,
equitable benefits and promotion
of community inclusion, and
feasibility based on KLCH’s
capacity and powers to
influence action.
04
DEVELOPING
PRIORITY
ACTIONS
60
Ongoing KLCH
As the first step in prioritising climate actions,
a review of existing climate initiatives in
Initiatives Kuala Lumpur was undertaken to understand

their respective scope, beneficial impacts,
implementation status and lessons learned
that should be taken forward when planning
new climate actions.

In the KLLCSBP2030, a total of 245 climate programmes or actions were identified under 10 strategic themes. These
themes relate closely to the mitigation sectors as well as the climate hazards identified in the preceding chapter. The
following seven themes contained the majority of actions that would be prioritised for the KLCAP2050.
Table 9: KLLCSBP2030 & KLCAP2050 Themes
KLLCSBP2030 STRATEGIC THEMES KLCAP2050 CLIMATE THEME

Energy Efficient Spatial Structure Transport & Planning
Green Mobility Transport & Planning
Sustainable Energy System Stationary Energy
Low Carbon Green Building Stationary Energy
Green and Blue Network Adaptation
Sustainable Waste Management Waste
Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management Adaptation & Waste
To date, a number of these have already been rolled out and the status update below
provides an overview of the implementation status of these 245 programmes or actions.
The KLLCSBP2030 is a document primarily focused on mitigating climate change, although

many actions identified within it also offer the potential to enhance adaptive capacity
across different sectors in the city. The roll-out or piloting of programmes under the
KLLCSBP2030 sheds light on the feasibility and efficacy of the ongoing actions, providing
good precedents for further iteration and expansion of these and other climate actions.
The case studies featured provide examples of ongoing KLLCSBP2030 projects,

including the outcome, impact and ways forward to expand and integrate climate action KUALA LUMPUR
LOW CARBON SOCIETY
implementation for increased benefits. BLUEPRINT 2030
0-1
104
Implementation
100
Implementation
41
Planning stage
ongoing initiated 2019—103
2019—45 2019—97
42% 41% 17%
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Case Study 1:
Increasing Nature-Based Solutions through Community Gardens
under Local Agenda 21
Implementation status: Ongoing
surfaces with vegetation to help decrease both the

UHI phenomenon and flash floods. By supporting
the creation of new permeable and vegetated areas
as well as planting trees in locations which support
the network of shaded pedestrian priority routes, the
Community Gardens programme has great potential to
contribute to carbon emissions reduction by reducing
the demand for air conditioning via natural cooling for
immediately surrounding areas. It has the potential to
encourage uptake of active mobility if implemented in
an integrated manner with street planting initiatives.
Next steps: KLCH will continue to facilitate and

Background: The Community Garden initiative expand the Community Garden programme, while
falls under the ‘Clean & Beautiful KL’ theme of identifying potential locations for incorporating climate
Local Agenda 21 (LA21)1, which has been rolled adaptation projects within Community Garden spaces.
out nationwide since 2005. Community Gardens KLCH will also determine an appropriate mechanism
are implemented through built partnerships with to monitor and measure progress and contribution to
local communities. KLCAP2050 targets on an ongoing basis.
The story so far: Across the municipality, there

are currently two types of community gardens: 28
smaller Urban Gardens, and one large Herb Garden,
containing an urban orchard. The existing gardens
represent seven acres of community space that was
originally in the form of under-utilised green spaces,
infrastructure reserves and rooftops, all of which
have been set aside for local communities to cultivate
plants and engender a stronger sense of community.
An additional 20 Community Gardens are expected to
be established by the end 2021 across Kuala Lumpur.
KLCH is in the process of formalising long-term

goals in relation to Community Gardens, recognising
that establishing Community Gardens supports the
overall long-term vision of a ‘Low Carbon Society’.
This includes achieving 30% green cover in the city
and targeting at least 2.0 ha of open space per
1,000 population. Figure 30: Locations of LA21 Community
Gardens Across the KL Municipal Area
Integrating with Climate Action Planning: Through Key:
the KLCAP2050, the potential has been recognised for
Community Garden projects to be carried out under Community Garden by Residents Association
the priority action focused on ‘Depaving Public Space’.
This will encourage joint Public-Private Partnership Community Garden by Organisations / Institutions
(PPP) initiatives to work on increasing the permeability
of Kuala Lumpur’s surfaces, as well as replacing hard Community Garden by Schools
1
https://www.facebook.com/localagenda21kl/
62
Case Study 2: Case Study 3:
Mitigation and Inclusive Strategy Sustainable Solutions through
through the GoKL Bus Road Surface Materials
Implementation status: Ongoing Implementation status: Research & Pilot Project
Background: Each year, KLCH allocates a large

proportion of their budget to maintaining roads
and drainage, with close to RM200 milliion spent
in 2020. Over the next 30 years, the projected
increase in temperature and rainfall intensity will
accelerate deterioration of road surface quality.
Enhancing the durability of roads will, therefore,
incur cost savings as well as decrease the use of
raw materials in the long term.
Background: Kuala Lumpur has high levels

The story so far: KLCH is actively cooperating
of traffic congestion and a very high private
with the Malaysian Rubber Board to advance the
motorised vehicle ownership rate. In order to
sustainability of city roads and a pilot project has
combat the reliance on private vehicle usage,
been initiated along Jalan Parliament. This pilot
KLCH introduced the GoKL Bus Service, a free and
to test the application of rubberised bitumen,
frequent option for moving around the city area.
uses Cuplump Modified Asphalt (CMA) to create
stronger roads that require less maintenance.
The plan to use CMA is currently under study
including identifying roads for implementation.
Integrating with Climate Action Planning:

While safety improvement and savings on
maintenance will be the biggest benefit,
the prolonged lifespan of road will increase
from the current duration of five years to ten
years. As CMA roads are capable of enduring
The story so far: From 2012 to 2021, KLCH’s
higher temperatures, the durability and safety
GoKL bus service grown from three to seven bus
are especially important when the UHI and
routes that primarily serve the city centre, in a bid
temperature in the city rises.
to reduce congestion and its associated carbon
emissions. The service is free and frequent during
Next steps: Further rollout is planned after a
peak hours arriving every five minutes, and while
successful pilot on Jalan Parliament. KLCH is
the routes cover more city centre locations, a
also planning to study additional road surface
recent line has been introduced to link a nearby
materials such as incorporating recycled waste
suburb. The locations of the routes focus on
and using permeable materials to create safe,
connecting high-demand routes to social housing
good quality roads with added mitigation and
estates to serve Kuala Lumpur’s B40 community.
adaptation benefits.
The ridership is high, with 2019’s peak usage
at 19.7 million riders that year. This averages to
35,000 passengers per day! The GoKL Bus Service
is regularly used by migrant workers, who often
only get minimum wage, highlighting an additional
equity benefit of the free KLCH service.
Next steps: KLCH intend to electrify their GoKL

Bus Fleet of 67 buses over the next several
years further working towards reducing carbon
emissions from the transportation sector.
63
The KLLCSBP2030 has an overarching target of reducing
the municipality’s carbon emissions intensity by 70% per
unit GDP by 2030, although the targets at programme
or action level, was not established. As a result, while
a very large number of actions are being planned or
implemented, there is little information being collected
and synthesised to ascertain the success of these actions
in relation to their intended impacts. This in turn means
a lack of insight into how to optimise the efficient
allocation of resources towards Kuala Lumpur’s overall
climate vision. Reflecting on this, Chapter 5 elaborates on
considerations for the governance, monitoring, evaluation
and reporting that are needed.
Draft Kuala Lumpur Structure Plan (KLSP2040)

The KLSP2040 incorporates KLCH’s key strategic goals, such as mode shifts towards public transport and active mobility,
while identifying low carbon development and building city resilience as key priorities for KLCH in the coming decades.
The KLCAP2050 has referenced this document to understand the relevant future goals and targets that KLCH has
identified, in order to integrate them into the climate actions implementation strategies.
Table 10: Goals and Underlying Climate Action Components in the KLSP2040
SIX GOALS OF THE KLSP2040, ‘A CITY FOR ALL’ KLCAP2050 CLIMATE THEME
An Innovative & Productive City Economic & Inclusive
An Inclusive & Equitable City Inclusive & Planning
A Healthy & Vibrant City Inclusive & Adaptation
A Climate Smart & Low Carbon City Mitigation & Adaptation
An Efficient & Environmentally Friendly Mobility City Mitigation & Inclusive
A City of Integrated & Sustainable Development Mitigation, Adaptation & Inclusive
64
KLCH Strategic Plan 2021–2030
The KLCH Strategic Plan 2021–2030 is another key set of documents that helps to guide KLCH’s climate initiatives with
KLLCSBP2030 falling under these set of documents. The climate-related policies and plans below are listed within KLCH
Strategic Plan 2021–2030. These are relevant to climate actions contained in the KLLCSBP2030 and the subsequent
KLCAP2050, highlight KLCH’s commitment to progressing with planning and implementing actions that will address key
mitigation and adaptation priorities.
Table 11: Policy Documents Listed Within KLCH Strategic Plan 2021–2030 that are Relevant to Climate Actions
RELEVANT POLICY DOCUMENTS LISTED CLIMATE THEME

WITHIN KLCH STRATEGIC PLAN
KLSP2040 All
KL Local Plan 2040 All
KLLCSBP2030 Mitigation
KL Landscape Masterplan Adaptation—Heat & Flood
KL Traffic Masterplan Mitigation—Transport
ICT Strategic Plan 2021–2025 & 2026–2030 Governance
Human Resource Strategic Plan 2025 Governance
KL Pedestrian and Cycling Masterplan 2019–2028 Transport & Planning
Sustainable Development Goals Socio-economic, Mitigation, Adaptation, Inclusivity
Pedestrian Street Masterplan Transport & Planning
KL Rainwater Drainage and Adaptation

Management System Masterplan
65
Developing
Kuala Lumpur’s Priority
Climate Actions
The Approach
Following the assessment of Kuala Lumpur’s socio- The final outcome of the process was the selection of
economic context, carbon emissions profile, climate hazards fifteen key climate actions, listed on Table 12, based on
and existing climate initiatives, KLCH carried out a detailed the evaluation criteria identified below:
review of the actions in the KLLCSBP2030 to identify and • potential for emissions reduction and/or climate risk
prioritise actions which needed to be developed further. reduction
• potential for generating wider social benefits,
During this process, KLCH benefitted from the contributions
particularly for vulnerable communities
of various internal departments, government agencies,
experts and organisations, all of whom contributed • feasibility of implementation
towards the process in different ways to reflect their unique • synergies with other actions on the list
positioning. The aim of this process, highlighted below, • potential risk of poor investment
was to ensure that the prioritised actions were selected in a
comprehensive and rigorous manner.
1 2 3 4
Categorised Qualitatively Mapped and Developed
& typified assessed grouped priority actions
KLLCSBP2030 actions based actions for in further
actions based on impact integrated detail including
on sector potential, planning, identifying
and impact co-benefits implementation target outputs
potential for and feasibility and inclusive and outcomes
both mitigation to determine impacts
& adaptation 15 prioritised
actions
Figure 27: The Process of Prioritising Climate Actions in Kuala Lumpur
Following the evaluation process, a final list of 15 key climate actions across five strategic areas were selected following
stakeholder consultation for implementation between now and 2030. These 15 actions were explored in greater detail,
examining elements from design to implementation.
66
Table 12: Mapping the 15 Prioritised Actions Against KLLCSBP2030
CAP CLIMATE STRATEGIES KLCH’S 15 PRIORITISED CLIMATE ACTIONS RELATED KLLCSBP2030

PROGRAMME
Mobility & Infrastructure Street Design to Prioritise Active Mobility GM2, SS29, & SS30
Comfortable & Safe Pedestrian Networks SS9, SS6 & SS11
Accessible Affordable Housing in Priority Area SS7
Dedicated Bus Lane Network GM8
Green Adaptive City Deploy Low Impact Development (LID) WW12
Depave Public Space with the Community SS28
Protect Parks & Increase Biodiverse Areas BG1 & BG15
Energy Efficient & Building Vegetation Covering GB7

Climate-Proof Buildings
Low Carbon Building Checklist Validation GB23
Building Performance Benchmarking and Rating GB21
Near Zero Emissions Building Roadmap *MI1
Smart Waste Management Solid Waste Reduction through a *MI2

Waste Management Masterplan
Disaster Management Flood Management & Response Plan *AD1
Heat Management & Response Plan *AD2
Drought Management & Response Plan *AD3
*Indicates new action identified for the KLCAP2050
Overview of the Prioritised Actions & Climate Strategies

In order to execute implementation efficiently, the Climate Action Plan organises specific climate actions
under five Climate Strategies. These five strategies broadly cover thematic areas relevant to Kuala Lumpur’s climate
action journey, primarily:
• Green Adaptive City—Adaptation actions to reduce climate risk
• Mobility & Infrastructure—Mitigation actions from transport sector
• Energy Efficient & Climate-Proof Buildings—Mitigation actions from building sector
• Smart Waste Management—Mitigation actions from waste sector
• Disaster Management—Adaptation actions to build adaptive capacity
The five priority climate strategies and actions for Kuala Lumpur up to 2030 provide an overview of the five climate
strategies, related sectors, hazards, and SDGs 2 as well as the vulnerable groups that have been identified as being most
impacted by the actions’ implementation.
The categorisation of actions into five strategies was done to promote integrated implementation across climate
actions through identifying synergies and opportunities for ‘piggybacking’, for example, grouping climate actions with
similar or interrelated goals under a single strategy, as well as achieving greater cost efficiency and minimising risk of
malinvestment. The following sections will explore each climate strategy, from the actions contained as well as the
inclusive impacts identified.
2
The 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build
economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental
protection. A full list of the 17 SDGs and further information on them is available at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/
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Table 13: The Five Priority Climate Strategies and Actions for Kuala Lumpur up to 2030
STRATEGY / SECTORS AND

UN SDGS MAINLY ADDRESSED
HAZARDS COVERED LOW-INCOME
ELDERLY
COMMUNITIES
A. Mobility & Infrastructure

Transport & Urban Planning Heat
B. Green Adaptive City

Flooding Heat Cross Hazard
C. Energy Efficient &

Building Heat Drought Cross Hazard
D. Smart Waste Management

Waste
E. Disaster Management
Flooding Heat Drought
Incorporating Inclusivity in Climate Action Planning
Throughout the climate action planning process, there has been an emphasis on prioritising and designing climate
actions with inclusivity in mind. Inclusive climate action ensures that projects, programmes and policies are geared
towards KLCH’s efforts to create equal opportunities for all, regardless of background and upbringing. Climate action
has the potential to deliver inequitable impacts, where the benefits of the action are inaccessible to certain groups in
society (through being unavailable or not affordable to those groups). It is therefore important to analyse how those in
minority groups, at-risk or marginalised communities could be impacted, factoring these assessments in to the design
and implementation of climate actions.
The potential impacts of climate action implementation can be either positive or negative, and KLCH is determined
to foster greater positive impacts for vulnerable groups in the city, while ensuring that negative impacts are avoided
wherever possible. A summary analysis of the potential impacts of each group of actions has been prepared in the
following section. These include consideration for KLCH as well as businesses and residents of the city to further
understand the roles they can play where relevant and applicable.
68
KEY IMPACTED GROUPS
OUTDOOR /
YOUTH / PEOPLE WITH
WOMEN INFORMAL MIGRANTS TOURISTS
CHILDREN DISABILITIES
WORKERS
Mobility & Infrastructure considerations such as likelihood of pedestrian and

cyclist activity, distance to high density commercial and
Prioritised Action #A1 residential areas, and current collision or pedestrian
Street Design to Prioritise Active Mobility accident rates. Retrofitting key intersections based on
priority needs would be the focus for initial implementation
Mitigation & Adaptation Heat
of this action.
City Level
Prioritised Action #A2
The prioritisation of active mobility requires street Comfortable & Safe Pedestrian Networks
intersections and crossings to be designed to favour
pedestrians and cyclists while deprioritising motor vehicles. Mitigation & Adaptation Heat
In addition, the climate resilience of active mobility City Level
infrastructure must be improved to ensure maximum
usability throughout the year. Modified road and street Complementing the previous action, the upgrade of
design can empower citizens to seek alternative transport pedestrian networks will also focus on modification of
options and reduce reliance on motorised vehicles, thus routes and sidewalk design to increase pedestrian mobility
reducing GHG emissions and air and noise pollution. and provide equitable and fair accessibility for all members
Proper planning of active mobility routes can also reduce of society. Safety and connectivity of pedestrian networks
vulnerability to UHI around major transport networks. to travel hubs, transit-oriented developments, and also
schools and other public institutions such as hospitals,
To advance street design, KLCH intends to identify is very important. With upgraded pedestrian networks,
key priority locations around Kuala Lumpur, based on
69
footfall is expected to rise, diverting citizens from vehicle- Prioritised Action #A4
based transportation, reducing emissions from cars and Dedicated Bus Lane Network
other motorised traffic.
Mitigation & Adaptation
Master planning of the pedestrain network will take into City Level
account locations of key amenities, public services and
institutions, as well as existing pedestrian infrastructure In order to improve the quality of bus service and its
and walkability assessments. KLCH also aims to invest in reliability, it is crucial for the bus network to be studied.
inclusive sub-actions such as the installation of improved Where there is a high demand and the locations allow,
lighting and public furniture (benches, tables, etc.) these bus routes will be prioritised for segregated and
to encourage walking and foster safety. There will be dedicated bus lanes. The introduction of segregated bus
synergies with other actions, including creation of pocket lanes and improved public transportation services will
parks, community-led depaving, and the expansion of encourage ridership. Meanwhile, better data management
urban green spaces that should be considered during is instrumental in assessing needs and performance to
planning and implementation of this action. inform route analysis and development. This action seeks
to deliver increased uptake of public bus usage, including
Prioritised Action #A3 feeder buses, to decrease traffic congestion as well as
Accessible Affordable Housing in Priority Areas emissions from motorised traffic.
Mitigation & Adaptation KLCH is also committed to improve last-mile connectivity,

City Level where last-mile routes for feeder buses for MRTs and
LRTs will be identified. To leverage the synergies across
The provision of affordable housing involves partnerships actions, this action will require cooperation between KLCH
with developers and allowing development on parcels of departments and agencies to integrate hazard emergency
land around existing transit-oriented developments or response planning, urban greening systems and energy-
mixed-use centres where a portion, for example minimum efficiency measures, to incorporate climate resilience into
of 30%, of units provided affordable housing. With housing the urban bus network.
built close to transit stations, residents are encouraged to
utilise public transport.This reduces single-user car travel,
WHAT INCLUSIVE BENEFITS WILL
leading to reductions in GHG emissions from cars and
THE MOBILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE
other motorised traffic.
STRATEGY BRING?
For the development of affordable homes with good
transit access, KLCH will identify remaining land 1. Building affordable housing near transit
available for residential development, map this against stations can offer greater mobility,
transit stations, and communicate with spatial planners, connectivity, access to employment,
communities and stakeholders. Meanwhile, KLCH will education, public services and recreation for
create guidelines to determine affordable housing marginalised communities, particularly those
requirements to ensure re-sale price is controlled by in low-income groups, women and migrants
binding conditions for buyers. who often rely on public transportation due to
inability to obtain loans for motorised vehicles.
2. Attractive walking routes can incentivise active

mobility and improve connectivity between
districts. Greater footfall in streets and
neighbourhoods with commercial storefronts
may increase economic activity, which could
be particularly valuable in lower-income
neighbourhoods. Malaysia’s high rates of
obesity and cardiovasular disease can be
decreased with physical activity. By providing
good, safe and comfortable infrastructure,
walking or cycling can be incorporated into
daily lifestyles and schedules, not solely
as exercise.
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71
72
Green Adaptive City from shading in landscaped areas which can be close to
10°C in difference or even more pending other factors
Prioritised Action #B1
such as canopy density and wind speed. Moreover, these
Deploy Low Impact Development (LID) Mitigation
projects provide space for recreation and biodiversity.
Flooding Heat
Participation of communities in the creation and use of
these green spaces helps create awareness and capacity
Neighbourhood Level
building opportunities for citizens.
Low Impact Development (LID) employs a design approach

Aside from city planners, residents and civil society
that mimics natural ecosystems, such as infiltration and
organisations will be engaged to identify public land
evaporation. It enables better management of stormwater
with potential to be depaved. Communities will also be
runoff and protects water quality. The deployment of LID
actively responsible for the monitoring and maintenance
projects in Kuala Lumpur targets flood-prone locations
of pilot depaving projects, such as urban farming.
near areas with higher vulnerable communities. As LID
Based on successful pilot results, KLCH would establish
projects increased natural ecosystems, such as vegetated
relevant guidelines to facilitate long-term scaled-up
land area, additional recreational space is created,
implementation across the city.
biodiversity is protected, and the urban cooling effect
will occur for immediately surrounding areas. The better
management of flooding can also contribute to the
Protect Parks & Increase Biodiverse Areas
reduction of water-borne diseases.
Mitigation & Adaptation Heat Cross Hazard
The introduction of LID will adopt a two-pronged
City Level
approach, combining a broader mapping analysis with
an approach to identify, evaluate, implement and monitor
With the maintenance and expansion of forests and parks,
potential pilot projects for LID. Potential synergies
greater green space cover will reduce UHI effect, and
emerge from this action such as utilising LID water
also retain and infiltrate greater volumes of rainwater,
storage solutions for use during dry spells at parks or
thus benefiting both heat and flood risk mitigation.
public facilities..
The preservation and expansion of green spaces is not
only beneficial for climate action, it also protects and
encourages biodiversity. By establishing the Kuala Lumpur
Depave Public Space with the Community
Landscape Masterplan (LMP), the protection of reserved
Mitigation & Adaptation Flooding Heat
forests and parks can be formalised, and the expansion of
such areas identified.
Neighbourhood Level
In developing the LMP, the KLCH team intends

Through community landscaping programmes, public
to synergise with other council initiatives through
land can be depaved, increasing green, vegetated areas
incorporating active mobiliity priority routes, integrating
through collaborative management. Increasing landscaped
canopy cover monitoring as well as identification of areas
areas improves rainfall retention capacities and improves
to create new urban parks and forests.
infiltration, which will reduce flooding. During extreme
heat, communities without access to cooling could benefit
WHAT INCLUSIVE BENEFITS WILL THE GREEN ADAPTIVE CITY STRATEGY BRING?
1. The construction of green infrastructure projects and promotion of landscaping can create employment
opportunities for lesser skilled or temporary workers, including in low income communities.
2. New or upgraded green infrastructure will provide shaded spaces for cooling during extreme heat, beneficial for
those without access to air conditioners in homes and workplaces. Residents that utilise active mobiility as a means
of transportation and outdoor workers such as street cleaners, hawkers and farmers market staff will benefit and be
protected in extreme heat events.
3. Green areas provide space for recreation, particularly for low-income citizens, women and the elderly. The Covid-19
pandemic has highlighted need for increased green infrastructure for physical as well as mental health benefits.
4. With potential to reduce disruption caused by flooding, increased vegetation and vegetated areas has the potential
to increase property values, which places lower-income areas to become gentrified.
73
Energy Efficient & Climate Proof Buildings Prioritised Action #C3
Building Performance Benchmarking & Rating
Prioritised Action #C1
Building Vegetation Covering Building Mitigation & Adaptation Heat
City Level
Building Mitigation & Adaptation Heat Cross Hazard
Street Level This action focuses on implementing a mandatory building

performance rating and benchmarking system to reduce
This action focuses on the expansion of green area energy consumption by setting targets based on building
cover on building roofs, podiums and walls. Localised types. Cost savings from energy consumption may also
green covering provides a cooling effect to reduce UHI enable greater ability to invest in other mitigation and
and contributes to wider mitigation efforts through adaptation measures in businesses and households.
sequestering CO2 in vegetation, while bringing positive
influence on energy and water management costs. Green KLCH aim to create policies to mandate reporting of
covering can also help to retain storm water and filter energy usage of all buildings, and for building owners
pollutants if designed with this consideration, thereby, to provide relevant certification and documentation as
helping to address flood hazards and health-related risks. disclosure to future tenants or purchasers. As TNB rolls out
smart meters in the Klang Valley, KLCH intends to establish
KLCH aims to develop guidelines to require for increased an energy monitoring and enforcement mechanism and set
green covering on buildings, including standards, building performance targets for certain building types.
maintenance requirements, and guidance on inclusivity
and community engagement to raise awareness for Prioritised Action #C4
property owners to undertake this action within their Near Zero Emissions Building Roadmap
property area.
Building Mitigation & Adaptation Heat Drought
Prioritised Action #C2 City Level
Low Carbon Building Checklist Validation
Low carbon emissions buildings are designed and
Building Mitigation & Adaptation Heat Drought
constructed to release very little or no carbon at all during
City Level their lifecycles. This action entails the development of
a Near Zero Emissions Building (NZEB) roadmap that
This action aims to mainstream low carbon buildings includes minimum requirements, timeframes for periodic
through incorporating relevant requirements into a performance rating assessments, and implementation
mandatory checklist and requiring endorsement from considerations. Similar to Action #C3, alongside reducing
professional signatories on the passive and active design GHG emissions from energy consumption, the outcomes
elements of new buildings. Passive design elements of this action will significantly reduce energy usage in
include building envelope standards, while active design buildings and its associated carbon emissions, and, if
elements include efficiency of air conditioning and energy designed with thoughtful consideration, can assist in
monitoring systems. Wider adoption of low carbon mitigating the UHI effect. Cost savings from energy
building measures, such as improved insulation and consumption may also enable greater ability to invest in
glazing, can reduce heat from entering buildings. Thereby other mitigation and adaptation measures in businesses
reducing the impact of extreme heat and UHI effect, and households.
subsequently reduce energy consumption from cooling
systems. This roadmap will be developed and implemented over
a longer time-frame, and with consideration of building
KLCH intends to create guidelines for new developments types, energy consumption profile of Kuala Lumpur’s
and major renovations, formulating regulations for the building stock, existing policies, as well as benchmarking
adoption of low carbon measures. In this process, experts analyses. Supporting actions such as energy data
from academia and the private sector will be involved to disclosure frameworks and incentives such as low carbon
advise on and refine the building checklist for use across a building awards may also be introduced to support the
variety of building types. implementation of the roadmap.
74
WHAT INCLUSIVE BENEFITS WILL THE ENERGY EFFICIENT
AND CLIMATE-PROOF BUILDINGS STRATEGY BRING?
1. Mainstreaming low carbon buildings, including may improve air quality and reduce indoor
retrofitting and upgrading new building projects, temperatures, all bringing potential health
could provide job opportunities for low-income benefits, particularly for children, the elderly and
individuals as well as create green jobs and people with disabilities, who are more susceptible
opportunities for reskilling or upskilling. Specific to heat and air quality issues.
programmes such as rooftop farming may also
create opportunities for employment and social 3. Provision of passive cooling technologies in
cohesion amongst different societal groups. affordable housing such as shading, reflective
paints, retrofitting glazing with high Shading
2. The cooling effects of building greening may Coefficients as well as insulation for sun-exposed
reduce the impact of extreme heat, while energy walls will reduce energy costs and improve health
efficiency measures such as natural ventilation and wellbeing in low-income communities.
75
Smart Waste Management Disaster Management
Prioritised Action #D1 Prioritised Action #E1
Solid Waste Reduction through a Waste Masterplan Flood Management & Response Plan
Waste Mitigation Adaptation Flooding

City Level City Level
Through reuse, recycling, and other landfill diversion Establishing a Flood Management Plan (FMP) will accelerate
practices, such as segregation of organic waste for the development and improve the efficacy of pre-flood
composting, GHG emissions from the waste sector will mitigation measures, tracking and monitoring systems, as well
decrease. The reduction of solid waste going to landfill will as cross-functional collaboration among stakeholders. Within
in particular reduce methane emissions generated from the FMP, the identification of high-risk flood areas allows for
anaerobic decomposition; methane is a potent GHG with targeted action or adaptation measures to be prioritised,
global warming potential 21 times that of CO23. In addition, in order to build resilience and preparedness in high-risk
a better waste management system reduces contamination communities. A pre-established Flood Response Plan (FRP),
of ecosystems and reduces risks of water-borne illness. meanwhile, enables increased coordination and a more
efficient response including the coordination of monitoring
To achieve this, KLCH will develop a Waste Masterplan, and tracking measures such as injury rates and economic loss.
that will detail the management of solid waste in the Both the FMP and FRP provide flood risk reduction measures
city, include waste reduction and recycling targets significantly reduce risk of loss of life, flood-induced water-
and strategies as well as enforcement measures. The borne diseases, damage to property and loss of livelihoods.
informal sector will also be engaged in an effort to
identify measures to formalise their role in the system. KLCH is committed to developing a holistic FMP and
The KL Cares mobile application. extension4 may also FRP, including (1) developing appropriate forecasting
be leveraged to promote citizen engagement in waste systems, (2) partnering with community stakeholders to
management initiatives. increase community-wide knowledge of FRP protocols, (3)
establishing emergency-response communication channels,
and (4) creating a framework to assist with the accelerated
WHAT INCLUSIVE BENEFITS WILL deployment of post-flood recovery efforts.
SMART WASTE MANAGEMENT
STRATEGY BRING? Prioritised Action #E2
Heat Management & Response Plan
1. Reengineering Kuala Lumpur’s waste Adaptation

management system will provide opportunities
City Level
to formalise the informal waste collection
sector by integrating workers into public or
Kuala Lumpur is expected to endure more frequent extreme
private waste management entities. This would
heat waves in the coming decades. The development and
improve wages and offer financial stability for
communication of a robust Heat Management Plan (HMP)
vulnerable individuals such as the urban poor
and Heat Response Plan (HRP) is crucial so that public
and migrants involved in these activities.
service providers, citizens, business and industry sectors
are knowledgeable and prepared when extreme weather
2. Reduced waste pollution into ecosystems
conditions hit. The HMP and HRP are also expected to
would reduce risks of waste-related
reduce the impact of extreme heat on greenspace and
illness transmission, to which marginalised
biodiversity, as well as the human society throughout the city.
communities are disproportionally
vulnerable. This includes the management
KLCH is set to develop a HMP that identifies priority areas
and enforcement of industrial wastewater
with higher vulnerable populations, locations with higher
pollution, that can disrupt water supply and
urban heat stress, establishes mini-weather monitoring
disproportionately impact vulnerable groups
stations, and determines strategy to install cooling projects.
who might have higher household residents,
In addition, the HRP to be drafted will include response
less financial ability to purchase water and the
guidelines with thresholds, communication strategy to raise
inability to conduct business.
awareness and engage vulnerable communities, and capacity
building plan to cope with extreme heat events.
3
2010, Abushammala et al., Estimation of Methane Emission from Landfills in Malaysia using the IPCC 2006 FOD Model
4
https://www.dbkl.gov.my/en/perkhidmatan/servis-online/klcares/
76
Prioritised Action #E3
Drought Management & Response Plan WHAT INCLUSIVE BENEFITS WILL
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Adaptation Drought STRATEGY BRING?
City Level
The implementation of an effective Drought Management 1. The emphasis on community engagement

Plan (DMP) can allow for earlier detection and response. enhances the roles and responsibilities
To allow for an early response, it is crucial for mitigation across the community in management and
procedures to be pre-defined in a Drought Response Plan response planning, strengthening social
(DRP). With the DMP and DRP in place, impact of extreme capital and improving adaptive capacity of
drought on greenspace and biodiversity throughout individuals and communities.
the city is expected to be reduced, and resilience in the
provision of public services (water supply, sanitation, 2. Early warning systems that provide information
healthcare) can be achieved during drought conditions. via flexible communication methods, in
multiple languages and for all types of citizens,
KLCH will develop a DMP that identifies priority areas, can improve engagement and lead to disaster
and takes in to account the impact of drought on risk reduction. Weather tracking systems like
differing end-users. For the DRP, KLCH aims to formulate KLCH’s Multi-Hazard Platform (MHP) are being
a plan that provides guidelines, based on input from developed to forecast extraordinary weather
community stakeholders, and establishes expected events and provide early warning for high risk
response mobilisation procedures while ensuring that the geographic areas.
community awareness is raised on the issue, in particular,
on efficient water usage mechanisms such as installation 2. Low-income communities, migrants, outdoor
of low flow taps, prior to drought events.. workers, the elderly, women, young people,
and people with disabilities are among the
Due to the less frequent incidences of drought, synergies most vulnerable in the face of disasters. With
and piggy-backing opportunities should be explored to preparedness built through the Management
fund infrastructure projects to increase water storage at and Response Plans, the impacts may be
city-level. Additionally, sourcing alternative water from reduced. For example, maintaining access
retention ponds and recycled wastewater during dry to education for schoolchildren would be
spells will be explored. Increasing efficient water use improved post-disaster.
through awareness raising is an immediate priority for
Kuala Lumpur.
77
Roadmaps for Delivering
Kuala Lumpur’s
Transformative Actions
This section proposes implementation With climate actions, it is essential that they are
roadmaps for actions with the greatest planned to achieve milestones across the short-,
potential to generate long-term climate medium- and long-term for their intended
resilience and emissions reductions; by impact to be realised. Continuous and effective
effecting systemic changes while distributing implementation, with diligent monitoring under
benefits equitably. These transformative a robust framework of governance within KLCH
actions also offer immense opportunities for will determine the success and extent of the
long term co-creation with stakeholders. impacts of these strategies.
Roadmaps for Transformative Mobility & Infrastructure

As cities are hubs for its citizens to prosper through The multiple co-benefits can only be realised through
economic growth and activities, its infrastructure and synergies between climate-focused mobility and urban
systems on mobility must evolve to accommodate infrastructure planning and development. With active
users of various modes of mobility, whilst balancing its mobility prioritised for street design, this would increase
impact on space and emissions. As traditional modes of the comfort level and encourage more users to uptake
transportation that are high in emissions are reduced and public transport services provided. As public transport
phased out, the space and function can be repurposed to networks expand across the city, critical services and
reduce emissions within the city through infrastructure that housing should be developed with pedestrianisation and
can assist to mitigate and adapt to climate change. street design for active mobility in mind to connect users
with these improved infrastructure networks. Often the
By prioritising the design of streets to focus on active responsibility of separate departments and authorities,
mobility, such as giving more space to pedestrians and careful cooperation would be required in addition to
cyclists, opportunities for rainwater storage and urban consultation with citizen groups to ensure inclusivity and
greening to piggyback on these new designs also arise equity implications for citizens.
and can provide adaptive capacity in mitigating climate
risks such as flooding and heatwaves. Safer, cooler and Justification
increasingly extensive pedestrian networks are vital As millions of journeys are made daily in Kuala Lumpur,
for connecting public transit hubs, housing and critical whether by public transport, commercial vehicles or
services whilst providing space for recreation and urban private vehicles, these trips contribute significantly to the
biodiversity to flourish. As businesses and communities greenhouse gas emissions produced in the city. This is
are connected by pedestrian networks, urban safety and especially applicable to Kuala Lumpur as the percentage
accessibility to various user groups can also be improved of private fossil-fuel powered vehicles remains high at
through strengthened social fabric and connectivity. 80%. With high carbon emissions, air quality deteriorates
Prioritising active mobility through street design hence causing health-related issues for citizens as well as
provides not only a safe and comfortable pedestrian increasing urban heat island (UHI) effects within the city,
network, but also complements directly the expansion exacerbating climate risks such as heatwave and drought.
of green cover in Kuala Lumpur, increases the city’s climate
adaptability, helps to lower city temperature and helps To create a city that is attractive and safe for pedestrians
manage heat exposure for users, which is identified as a and cyclists, planners must complement the increasing
climate risk for Kuala Lumpur. network of public transport, only then can vehicle use
78
be decreased to reduce emissions, improve air quality,
decrease noise pollution and allow active mobility to be
more safe, comfortable, equitable and inclusive. However,
this can only be achieved if the required infrastructure
is in place.
This is why Kuala Lumpur has an interim target of having

50km of modified roads, enhanced first and last mile
facilities at 75% of public transit stations within the central
business district by 2025. Ultimately, Kuala Lumpur plans
to have 300km of pedestrian network and 300km of
dedicated bicycle lane networks in order to achieve its
goals of 70% active mobility as modal share within its
2040 target. This is similar to the approach achieved by
Singapore which already has a 75% of public transport
modal share, encouraged by active mobility infrastructure
in a tropical climate setting5.
The roadmap on page 80 highlights KLCH’s key Mobility

& Infrastructure targets over the short-term, medium-term
and long-term.
Responsibilities and Partnerships

As the primary department of planning and maintaining
infrastructure in KLCH, Infrastructure Planning
Department (JPIF) would lead in coordinating the actions
within this group. However, it would most certainly work
closely with the Urban Transportation Department (JPB)
as well as Ministry of Transport (MOT) at the federal
level to ensure regulations and standards are adhered
to and to complement developments in public transport
systems and infrastructure. On the non-governmental
level, JPIF will engage citizen and user groups such as
Cycling KL, disabled user groups and various Residents
Associations to ensure their requirements and varying
needs are considered during the planning and execution
of actions. The multi-stakeholder approach ensures
inclusivity of the actions in benefitting the citizens of the
city whilst ensuring the investments into infrastructure
by KLCH, ministries and also private corporations such
as developers can genuinely unlock the value-add and
functions as intended.
Prime Monitoring Indicators

From the KLCH Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
(MER) framework6, the following indicators are relevant to
this group of actions:
• Percentage mode share of activity mobility
• Kilometers of pedestrian and cycling
infrastructure installed
• PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations
• Total greenhouse gas emissions from transport (t CO2e)
• Percentage of population within 30–60 minutes of
walking or cycling of critical services and opportunities
5
Green Plan Singapore: https://www.greenplan.gov.sg/key-focus-areas/our-targets/
6
KL Climate Action Plan Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (MER) framework
79
Mobility & Infrastructure
Strategic Roadmap
Transformative Climate Actions
1A Street Design to 1B Comfortable & Safe

Prioritise Active Mobility Pedestrian Networks
2021
11 Parliamentary
Develop street design Walkability
guidelines for Active Assessments with
Mobility with Universal Residents per year
Design integrated
2022
1 Public Campaign Conduct assessment of
on Walking and first- and last mile
Cycling for a Livable infrastructure along
City per year primary public
transportation corridor
2025
Enhanced first and last
5 Traffic Calming Pilot mile facilities at 12 CBD
Projects implemented transit stations
per year
Enhanced first and last
mile facilities at a 75% of
Network of CBD transit stations
50km of
Pedestrian-
prioritized Roads Install & improve
street furniture and
Develop citizen lighting around
App to motivate public transport
Active Mobility through stations
competitions
2030
150km Dedicated Active mobility
Bicycle Lane Network >50% of
Mode Share
2050
300km dedicated
bicycle lane network
Active mobility
as >70% of
Mode Share
300km of
Pedestrian
Prioritised Legends:
Street Network
Targets
Milestones
Actions
Figure 28: Roadmap for Delivering Climate Actions Under the Mobility and Infrastructure Strategy
80
Roadmaps for Transformative Green Adaptive City
Kuala Lumpur, being a tropical city, enjoys abundant or drought risk of areas for proposed development, Kuala
rainfall and a climate that is conducive for greenery to Lumpur can ensure its future development is resilient and
flourish. However, with rapid development throughout the not overly exposed to climate risks. Potential adaptive
city and its surroundings, its green spaces have dwindled actions such as increasing linear urban parks along rivers
and have implications towards the city’s climate adaptive and waterways can also further mitigate such risks.
capacity and residents’ wellbeing. As such, there has Increasing permeability of surfaces to manage flooding
been conscious effort to retain and increase green spaces through depaving surfaces by establishing community
within Kuala Lumpur through protection and increase of landscaping or garden programmes is also another action
existing forest reserves and parks through Kuala Lumpur which can serve as an inclusive measure for various resident
Landscape Masterplan (LMP) at city level. The masterplan groups in the city.
is a method to monitor existing green spaces, as well as
an effort to increase green spaces through increasing tree Co-benefits can only be realised through regular
planting and establishing pocket parks that are aligned engagement and collaboration between departments
and synchronised to achieve mid-term targets through in development planning, landscaping and engineering
50km2 of green spaces created and maintained, and departments within Kuala Lumpur. By having a holistic
achieving a 30% tree canopy coverage by 2030. consideration of impact of proposed development areas
as well as its potential in increasing green spaces, KLCH
The importance of green spaces within Kuala Lumpur would be able to ensure its 2050 target of 60km2 of LID
is also apparent in its role to ensure Low Impact and five million trees planted, GPS tagged and inventoried,
Development (LID) can be pursued. This is especially can be achieved. This encourages the city to increase its
important given Kuala Lumpur’s propensity to suffer from climate resilience by addressing in tandem Kuala Lumpur’s
flash floods given its tropical climate induced rainfall, as identified climate risks of flooding, heat and drought in an
well as its situation with culverted river tributaries running integrated, piggy-backed and synergised manner.
throughout the city. By being mindful of the flood, heat
7
Ibid
81
Justification inventory and planning of green spaces, however it would
Green spaces are essential to the wellbeing of citizens, not be truly effective without coordination with the City
and simultaneously play a crucial role in climate adaptation Planning Department (JPRB) for integration with overall
as the climate changes. Within the city, green spaces such city development planning and the Civil Engineering
as parks, community gardens, water bodies, landscaping and Irrigation Department (JKAWS) for flooding and
and greenery providing shade are crucial in providing engineering infrastructure to be considered in tandem
reprieve for citizens and serve as spaces for communities to mitigate climate risks of flooding as well as to identify
to connect, contributing towards building social fabric areas suitable for LID implementation. In order to realise
which is essential for wellbeing. With mindful and the synergy of enhancing adoption of active mobility
conscious positioning of green spaces throughout with strategic landscaping, JPIF would also need to be
the city, it can also serve as behavioural nudges in engaged. Additionally, ministries such as the MEWA should
encouraging adoption of active mobility such as be consulted, to ensure that national policy and KLCH’s
pedestrian or cycling paths if it provides shading and targets are aligned. Last but not least, citizen user groups
a sense of communal safety. should be regularly consulted and involved to maximise
engagement and action implementation, and private
The larger impact of green spaces within the city is the corporations to sponsor initiatives such as pocket parks.
adaptive capacity it can provide to changes from climate.
The function of green spaces can significantly contribute Prime Monitoring Indicators
towards permeability of surfaces which is key in mitigating From the KLCH Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
flash floods due to the torrential rainfall that Kuala Lumpur (MER) framework7, the following indicators are relevant to
experiences regularly. Besides this adaptive capacity of this group of actions:
channelling rainfall to the tributaries and rivers within Kuala • LID—Volume of water retention capacity created (m3)
Lumpur, linear and pocket parks scattered throughout (public and private space)
Kuala Lumpur as well as landscaping also contribute • LID—Area of vegetated green cover created (m2)
towards lowering the temperature within the city which (public and private space)
assists in mitigating urban heat island (UHI) effects. This
• LID—Number of LID measures installed
co-benefit is significant given heat and drought are both
climate risks identified for Kuala Lumpur and it can work • LID—°C temperature difference between LID and
to ensure its citizens are not overly exposed, resulting in Non-LID areas
increased healthcare and productivity costs. • Community landscaping—% of target neighbourhoods
committed to landscaping
The roadmap on page 83 highlights KLCH’s key Green • Community landscaping—°C temperature difference
Adaptive City targets over the short-term, medium-term between paved and depaved spaces
and long-term.
• LMP—°C temperature difference between vegetated
and non-vegetated areas
Responsibilities and Partnerships
The Landscape and Recreational Development Department
• LMP—% of population within walking distance of
a green spaces
(JPLR) is the lead department in conducting the vegetation
7
Ibid.
82
Green Adaptive City
Strategic Roadmap
2B Depave Public 2C Deploy Low

2A Parks & Increase Space with the Impact Development
Biodiverse Areas Community (LID)
2021
Flood and heat
Map and analyse stress hotspots
potential tree planting mapped and potential
& depaving locations LID sites identified
KL Landscape 2022
Masterplan (LMP)
Formalize developer,
mandated, improved
professional and
& formalised
research partnerships
Community
Engagement, Education
and Awareness Plan
Stormwater retention
capacity increased by 20%
2025 through eco-based
solutions/LID
Monitoring &
evaluation plan
5 PPP Adaptation
to track KL’s trees
Programmes Communities
& green cover
per year
implementation
Implement 20km2 depaving
30% Tree Canopy Coverage surface measures
achieved throughout KL
Subsidies available Increase stormwater

for Community retention capacity by
Landscaping Program 30% through eco-based
solutions/LID
50km2 of Green Space 2030

created and maintained
Implement 5-10 LID
25% of ground area projects annually with
is permeable and/or partner organizations
water retentive
2050 60km2 LID

implemented across KL
5 million+ trees
planted in Kuala Lumpur
Community depaving Legends:

projects in 50%
Targets
of KL districts
Milestones
Actions
Figure 29: Roadmap for Delivering Climate Actions Under the Green Adaptive City Strategy
83
Roadmaps for Transformative Energy Efficient & Climate-Proof Buildings
Buildings are one of the largest emitters of greenhouse (MGBC) already providing and adopting low carbon and
gas in cities, and this is no exception for the city of Kuala energy efficient building guidelines and regulations, Kuala
Lumpur. Density within the city can also contribute to Lumpur’s existing and new buildings can realistically adopt
exacerbating climate risks such as heat, through urban these measures to realise the benefit of lower energy
heat island effect. Building guidelines and regulations have consumption and emissions. As KLCH manages most
increasingly introduced energy efficiency or low carbon public housing, it is also an area where measures can
measures to mitigate these impacts. As a developed be introduced without burdening the lower income
city, Kuala Lumpur is home to many public and private group of citizens.
buildings that have been built over the past decades and
will continue to see new developments being constructed The roadmap on page 85 highlights KLCH’s key Energy
into the future decades. Efficient & Climate-Proof Buildings targets over the short-
term, medium-term and long-term.
As a starting point to decrease carbon emissions
reductions from the building sector, KLCH will introduce Responsibilities and Partnerships
a Low Carbon Building Plan Checklist which will require The lead department would be JPRB given it is responsible
Validation from Principle Submitting Person (PSP) and in approval of new and re-development requests for
serve as a mechanism to extract crucial information private buildings through the One Stop Centre (OSC)
on new buildings and major retrofits that influence the mechanism and Building Control Department (JKB)
energy use from building operations over its lifespan. This to ensure continuous monitoring and enforcement of
Checklist will require building owners in Kuala Lumpur compliance to standards. However, it would also be
to incorporate and adopt low carbon measures for their key for Project Management and Building Maintenance
buildings. At the same time, a Near Zero Emissions Department (JPPPB) to be involved given it governs DBKL
Building (NZEB) roadmap should be established. This owned buildings. In ensuring there is no undue burden
action includes a phased timeline approach and serves for the lower socio-economic group in public housing,
to inform the community on adopting tighter standards the Community Development and Urban Wellbeing
for buildings over a long-term timespan. Targets set by Department (JPPPB) would also need to be engaged
KLCH in the building sector include ensuring that the to ensure the measures are implemented with inclusive
Low Carbon Building (LCB) Checklist specifications is considerations for vulnerable groups.
incorporated into the OSC Approval process and that 75%
of all new or major retrofits will meet the requirements Prime Monitoring Indicators
by 2025, this checklist will include Building Vegetation From the DBKL Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
Covering targets as well. (MER) framework8, the following indicators are relevant to
this group of actions:
Leading by example, KLCH aim to have more than • Increasing the requirement of Building Vegetation
75% of its buildings meet the LCB Checklist Validation Covering—Number or % of buildings with minimum
requirements whilst targeting more than 30% of all vegetated covering on building implemented
buildings (including privately-owned) to meet minimum
• NZEB Roadmap—City council approval of near zero
energy consumption targets before 2050. These
emissions building roadmap
targets should be supported by various other existing
KLLCSBP2030 actions such as Low Carbon Green Building • NZEB Roadmap—Number or % of proposed incentives for
Performance Rating and Benchmarking System based on usage of roadmap (disaggregated for target audience)
BEI which will be established through collaboration with • NZEB Roadmap—% of buildings the policy applies to
various stakeholders. or exceeding minimum requirements
• NZEB Roadmap—Number or % of residential and
Justification commercial buildings retrofitted
Approval for new development of buildings is regulated • LCB Checklist—% of all building floor area the
by KLCH, and as such can be one of the most effective LCB policies apply to (disaggregated to income
areas for Kuala Lumpur to introduce low carbon standards level in neighbourhood)
in order to realise greenhouse gas emissions reduction
• LCB Checklist—Benchmarking policy % of all new
and co-benefits such as increasing vegetated cover of
buildings the policy applies to
buildings to support decreasing the temperature within
the city. With the national government and professional • LCB Checklist—Energy consumption of public buildings
bodies such as the Malaysian Green Building Council per year (kWh / m2 / year)
8
Ibid
84
Energy Efﬁcient &
Strategic Roadmap
3A Low Carbon 3B Near Zero 3C Building

Building Checklist Emissions Building Vegetation
Validation Roadmap Covering
2021
Engage industry, community
Engage industry,
& academia to develop
community & academia to
guidelines for buildings
develop LCB checklist
vegetation cover
Develop Low Carbon

GHG Building Roadmap 2022
& outline targets
Roadmap targets applicable
to all new residential and
2025 commercial buildings
LCB Checklist 5 building vegetation

legislated in OSC cover pilot projects
approval process completed for
DBKL Buildings
LCB Roadmap
Subsidies available
for 3–5 Pilot Projects Provide green
cover subsidies to
LCB guidelines >10 Pilot Projects
expanded for all
buildings and Building Vegetation
renovations in KL Covering Guidelines
mandatory for all new
Near-zero performance developments
standards implemented
Expand LCB
across 10% of new buildings
Roadmap subsidies
by KLCH to 10–15
pilot projects
>75% new building
for comply to LCB
Checklist
2030
>75% Government
Buildings meet 10 Green Covering
LCB Checklist Projects Implemented
>30% of Total Buildings

meet minimum Energy
30 Green Building
Consumption Targets
Vegetation Covering
Projects Completed
2050
100% of Buildings
meet LCB Checklist Legends:
requirements
Targets
All commercial buildings Milestones

meet target Building
Energy Intensity (BEI) Actions
Figure 30: Roadmap for Delivering Climate Actions in Energy Efficient and Climate-Proof Buildings Strategy
85
Roadmaps for Transformative Smart Waste Management
Kuala Lumpur generates significant amounts of solid Justification
waste on a daily basis, and KLCH is responsible for Waste management is an area where it is essential as a
managing solid waste for a large part of the city, and has public service and has an unavoidable environmental
outsourced waste collection via a concessionaire. impact of greenhouse gas emissions through conventional
As solid waste continues to increase in Kuala Lumpur, means of disposal. However, through smart waste
KLCH is determined to influence its citizens in reducing management measures such as segregating, reusing and
waste generation through public awareness and recyling materials as well as exploring how waste can be
introduction of guidelines. converted into value such as composting or landfill gas
recapture, the measures can benefit the citizens through
Kuala Lumpur is developing a Waste Masterplan where new channels of value as well as safeguarding their
solid waste reduction measures are introduced. Within its health by reducing emissions from landfills. By engaging
jurisdiction, Kuala Lumpur plans to address solid waste communities on waste reduction and integrating informal
management generation reduction at source through waste sector workers, the actions can also improve equity
community engagement and education programmes, and inclusion of society towards a common goal.
working with various mechanisms such as schools, public
housing communities and private companies. These The roadmap on page 87 highlights KLCH’s key Smart
actions are intended to help Kuala Lumpur achieve Waste Management targets over the short-term, medium-
its 2025 target of 10% reduction in domestic waste term and long-term.
generation through improved source separation. It also
aims to increase awareness by actively engaging residents, Responsibilities and Partnerships
starting with social housing estates, as well as incorporate The lead department is the Health and Safety Department
solid waste segregation and management requirement (JKAS), however collaboration with the Licensing and
into OSC approval considerations by 2025. By these Business Development Department (JPPP) and JPKKB
actions, Kuala Lumpur hopes to capitalise on harnessing would be key to ensure that private building owners of
value generation from waste treatment and disposal which industrial, commercial and institutional premises as well as
can benefit vulnerable groups such as informal waste residents will be made aware, engaged and collaborate to
workers who currently remain segregated from the formal achieve KLCH’s targets. As jurisdiction of KLCH is limited,
system. By 2050, Kuala Lumpur targets a solid waste constant engagement with Ministry of Local Government
diversion of more than 50% from landfill disposal. and Housing (KPKT), waste management agency (SWCorp)
and concessionaire (Alam Flora) would be critical in
Smart waste management would undoubtedly provide co- ensuring that targets and policies are not conflicting and
benefits such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions from remain ambitious. Non-governmental groups will also be
landfills, as well as encourage citizens to reduce, reuse and key partners for KLCH especially involvement in raising
recycle resources whenever possible. Additionally, if solid public awareness. Private corporations can collaborate
waste can be reduced, the funds being spent by KLCH with KLCH in experimenting and exploring various waste
on waste collection and management can be reduced, management and value generation solutions that can be
thereby freeing up resources that can be redirected to mutually beneficial.
provide other services to its people.
Prime Monitoring Indicators
Disaster Management From the DBKL Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting
The actions contained within the Disaster Management (MER) framework 9, the following indicators are relevant
group has not been developed through a strategic to this group of actions:
roadmap as these are all new actions for KLCH. Further
• Waste generated per capita (kg / person / year)
deliberation and discussion with relevant stakeholders,
namely federal and other government agencies, is required
• Percentage % of the city’s solid waste that is recycled
prior to detailing an implementation roadmap and setting • Revenue recovered from recyclables (RM / year)
tangible targets. Due to the cross-boundary impacts of
climate hazard events, much coordination will be required
to successfully plan and implement these actions to ensure
that synergies and piggy-backing is undertaken, trade-offs
minimised and finally, malinvestment avoided.
9
Ibid
86
Smart Waste Management
Strategic Roadmap
4A Solid Waste Reduction, through

the Kuala Lumpur Waste Management
Masterplan (KLWMMP)
2021
Implementation
Develop the Kuala of community
Lumpur Waste engagement strategies
Management
Masterplan (KLWMMP) 2022
Identify options for solid
waste reprocessing,
energy recovery or reuse
2025 Community engagement

on waste reduction
Implementation of conducted at all social
KLWMMP across KL City housing estates
Jurisdiction by 2025 through
OSC approval process
>50% of KL communities
are aware of Zero Waste
10% reduction in strategies by DBKL
domestic waste
generation & improved
Analysis study of
source separation
energy and
value-generation options
Consolidate integration
of formal and informal 20% CO2e emission
waste sectors reduction from
waste sector
2030
>10 KL community-led KLWMMP implemented
waste management projects across 100% of
KLCH jurisdiction
2050
30% CO2e
emission reduction
>50% solid waste from waste sector
diverted from
landfill disposal
Legends:
>40% of waste
is recycled Targets
Milestones
Actions
Figure 31: Roadmap for Delivering Climate Actions in Smart Waste Management Strategy
87
05
PLANNING
FOR
IMPLEMENTATION
Meaningful
implementation of
actions hinges on the
ability of KLCH to govern
them in an accountable manner.
A governance structure sets roles
and responsibilities across KLCH for
delivery, financing and coordination.
The monitoring, evaluation and
reporting (MER) process details
KLCH’s commitment to
periodically communicate
the progress and benefits
of climate actions
in Kuala Lumpur.
88
Governance
KLCH is led by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur; For the development of the KLCAP2050,
who is assisted by four Executive Directors, KLCH established an interdepartmental
each of whom manages several of the 22 climate action planning working group
KLCH departments. Relating to climate overseen by the Low Carbon Secretariat,
action, the Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon from the Sustainable City Unit of the City
Society Blueprint 2030 (KLLCSBP2030) Planning Department. Since January 2020,
mobilised a similar structure to govern the the working group developed actions and
implementation of the 245 actions identified, set targets for the KLCAP2050.
with the Low Carbon Secretariat being the
main coordinators.
Former KLCH Mayor Liaising with Minister of Housing and Local Government
89
Governing Kuala Lumpur’s Climate Actions
Sustaining the good governance from the climate action KLCH has identified that their current governance structure
planning process is critical to follow-through with the to execute the KLLCSBP2030 actions works well from an
implementation of the actions set out in the KLCAP2050. implementation perspective. However, improvements
could be made in defining milestones, establishing targets
and leading collaboration. There are also limitations in
A good governance structure establishes ownership and
monitoring and evaluating climate actions, where positive
accountability for KLCH as well as KLCH’s implementation
and negative impacts of some actions may slip through the
partners and stakeholders. This is central to how the
cracks as it is not being tracked or measured effectively.
KLCAP2050 remains relevant, grows in ambition and
remains at the forefront of the city’s strategic priorities.
Establish an interdepartmental Integrating Planning as well as Monitoring, Evaluation and

planning task force to Reporting (MER) into the existing KLLCSBP2030 structure to
continue developing Kuala ensure ambitious and successful implementation
Lumpur’s climate actions
Role Responsibilities KLLCSBP2030 Governance Structure
Directives Steering Mayor

Leader
& vision Committee
Top Decision Technical Executive Directors

Management making, Committee of Four Sectors
financing and
resourcing
Coordination
Secretariat Secretariat Secretariat
& MER
Leading the Developing KLCAP2050 Interdepartmental Task

continued actions, Proposed Addition: Force: Key Departments:
development sub-actions, Action Development JPIF, JPLR, JKAWS,
of KL’s climate setting targets, Task Force JKAS & JPRB
actions evaluating
& initiating Supported by: One Unit
collaboration from all KLCH Departments
Working
Committee
Implementing Action and Economic Infrastructure Environment Administration

KL’s climate monthly
actions reporting
All KLCH Departments
Figure 32: Proposed KLCH Climate Action Governance
90
KLCH will therefore establish an interdepartmental
Task Force that will lead all required aspects
climate actions development, in particular, actions
from the KLLCSBP2030 that were deemed as
high impact, but not prioritised to be explored
in this KLCAP2050. This will require heavy
coordination between departments and external
stakeholders, and is crucial in ensuring that
actions are implemented with high ambition and
are approached in an integrated manner. The
Task Force will also lead and initiate stakeholder
engagement, both internal and external of
KLCH, which will be crucial for well-coordinated
advancement of climate action across multiple
stakeholders. The proposed Governance Chart
on page 90 maps this based on KLCH’s existing
climate action governance structure, as well as
highlights the roles and responsibilities of each
stakeholder or group of stakeholders.
KLCH will periodically assess the climate

governance structure to ensure that the roles,
responsibilities and relationships between city
departments and key stakeholders are relevant
and effective for climate action development
and implementation. In parallel, implementation
milestones should be incorporated into the
ongoing responsibilities and key performance
indicators (KPIs) of each department across
the organisation.
91
Mainstreaming,
Resources &
Financing
Opportunities exist to consolidate human An example to illustrate the importance of
resources, pool financing or funding mainstreaming; ensuring that the Landscape
from existing initiatives within KLCH’s department is aware of the Infrastructure
current budget allocation. Furthermore, department’s pedestrian routes upgrade, to
there is a chance to lower the barriers to ensure that tree planting along those routes
implementation by mainstreaming climate is prioritised, and carried out simultaneously
action in other related city policies, plans with construction works.
and programmes.
Mainstreaming Climate Action

Ensuring sufficient stakeholder engagement and
collaboration is crucial for city councils to progress climate
in Cities actions, and the mainstreaming process can document this
process in order to gain greater buy-in and support for
Climate actions range from ‘low hanging fruit’ to difficult climate action all-round.
systemic changes that require multiple stakeholders
for implementation. Cities must ensure that budget is For KLCH, it was noted that climate action was a key
allocated, and navigate various decision-making and priority in the draft Structure Plan for Kuala Lumpur
approval mechanisms. 2040 (SPKL2040) and 10 key climate-related priorities
had been identified for the city of Kuala Lumpur. The
To achieve this, policymakers and development Structure Plan guides policy development for Kuala
stakeholders should incorporate climate change actions Lumpur over 20 years, thereby highlighting KLCH’s
into their new and existing sectoral policies and plans. This commitment to further development of targets and
process is called mainstreaming and has the potential to1: actions relating to the creation of a Climate Smart and
Low Carbon Goal within the document.
• Leverage existing resources, funding and finances
already assigned to sectoral actions that relate to KLCH is also developing several masterplans and
climate actions blueprints contained in the KLCH Strategic Plan 2040,
• Contribute to more efficient use of resources through which have been identified to support the development
multifunctional solutions or saving money because of and delivery of several climate actions. Like the roadmaps,
multiple benefits the mainstreaming opportunities identified focus on four
• Reduce nuisance in daily lives by simultaneously of the five climate groups deemed more transformative.
implementing actions at one location
• Raise the profile of climate actions to increase support
and commitment
• Improve the sustainability and scale of actions to create
a window of opportunity for lower priority actions
• Avoid maladaptation or malinvestment
1
https://www.wri.org/publication/climate-planning-to-action
92
PR 1.1
PR 4.4
Preparing
Intensifying Low
Adaptation and
Carbon
Resilience Action
Awareness and
Plan for Climate
Education
Change and
PR 4.3 Programmes at PR 2.1
Disaster Risk
Providing Community Facilitating
Management
Community- Level Adoption of
Plan
based Low Renewable Energy
Carbon Facilities Technology
PR 4.2
Resil PR PR 2.2
N a t u r a l e n ce 1
Encouraging i
Improving Energy
Development of Low it y D
Clima isas ga
a Efficient Systems
Carbon Community un te i
m t
n Ch t e
a
n s nd
pm m
Dev on C 4
rs ge
elo o
t
e
rb PR
a
n
Low Ca
PR 4.1 PR 2.3
nage ment
Promoting the Strengthening Integrated
M a U rb a n
Use of Smart and Sustainable Solid
Home Technology Waste Management
ou ien R 2
rce c y i n
e s f fi c P
Ef of C
E
fi c
PR3.4 n P R PR 2.4
ar c y R3
ie
Creating a Clean, bo in Enhancing Efficiency

Green and Low n E Re d u of Sustainable
mis c t ion
Carbon Industrial s io n s Water Management
Environment and Supply
PR 3.3
PR 2.5
Creating Low
Adapting
Emission
Sustainability in
Release Zones
Drainage System
(LEZ) PR 3.2 PR 3.1
Promoting Use Encouraging
of Green and Development
Low Carbon of Low Carbon
Vehicles Buildings
Figure 33: Climate Actions that Have Been Integrated in the Draft SPKL2040
Focusing on Ambitious and Transformative Actions

For mainstreaming opportunities to be identified, KLCH focused on key transformative climate actions which
were more established and ambitious. These actions tend to tackle the root causes of climate risk by making
fundamental changes to the city’s systems and creating co-benefits, translating to actions that have the greatest
capacity to provide long-term climate resilience and ambitious carbon emissions reduction potential. Additional
co-benefits and long-term resilience of transformative actions offer great opportunities for stakeholder
co-operation and co-creation.
Transformative actions tend to require:

• Higher effort and greater cooperation among stakeholders
• Longer time span to realise benefits
• Greater inclusive co-benefits for city sectors and stakeholders
• Long-term resilience potential, often tackling root causes of climate change
93
Mainstreaming Mobility & Infrastructure Actions
The figure below highlights the opportunities to streamline upgrades to Street Design to Promote Active Mobility action.
Through goals and strategies identified in KLCH’s existing plans as well as programmes, procedures to improve road
specification guidelines and projects to enhance first- and last-mile journeys can be developed to support each other.
Climate Action: Goal:

Upgrade Street Design to Promote Decrease Transportation Emissions Through
Active Mobility Increased Active Mobility
Mainstreaming Opportunities
KL Structure Plan 2040 KL Low Carbon Society

Blueprint 2030
Plans
KLCH Strategic Plan KL Pedestrian and Cycling
Masterplan
SDG Programme CPTED KL Car Free

Programme Programme
Programmes
Plan Malaysia
Procedures Federal & State Legislation JPB Road

1. STREET, DRAINAGE AND BUILDING ACT Law 133 Reserve
2. JKR Guidelines and Standards Guidelines
UNITEN Council
Government
Projects project Infrastructure Projects
Ministries and
Agencies 1. Improve Pedestrian and
Cycling Space
2. Projects Enhancing First/
Academia
Last Mile Facilities
People Residents
Cycling NGOs
Citizen groups
Barriers—Pedestrian and bicycle lane Ongoing connections New connections to introduce

prioritisation policy for existing roads to ensure alignment and strengthen alignment
Figure 34: Mainstreaming Group 1—Mobility & Infrastructure
In order to progress the KLCAP2050 targets, KLCH will amplify current initiatives, such as increasing pedestrian and
cycling priority routes as well as infrastructure provision, building on the increased ambitions required to achieve 2030 and
eventually 2050 targets. KLCH have the opportunity to transition their focus to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists through
policy and develop guidelines to lower motorised vehicle speed limits and create streets that are conducive for the uptake
of active mobility uptake in order to decrease transportation carbon emissions. KLCH will be required to collaborate with
multiple external stakeholders to ensure the success of the action, while also providing benefits to stakeholders, such as
public transportation concessionaires who will benefit greatly from improved first- and last-mile routes to stations.
94
Mainstreaming Green Adaptive City Actions
While at first glance KLCH lacks adaptation-focused actions, plenty of council projects had the potential to incorporate
climate risk reduction and resilience-building opportunities. The Deployment of Low Impact Development (LID) projects
and Depaving of Public Space are closely linked, with both actions aiming to employ nature-based solutions such as
increasing surface permeability and vegetation in the city of Kuala Lumpur to decrease the impacts of flooding and
the urban heat island (UHI). Through council and agency collaboration, as well as public-private-partnerships, KLCH’s
ambitions can be amplified for a more green and resilient Kuala Lumpur.

Deploy Low Impact Development Create a More Resilient Kuala Lumpur Against
(LID) Projects & Depave Public Space Climate Hazards

Blueprint 2030
Plans
KLCH Strategic Plan KL Landscape Masterplan
+ Green Cover Masterplan
LA 21 Initiative Green Corridor Network

Programmes
KLCH Policy Private Land

Requirements: Requirements
Place Conditions
and Enforce
Procedures
Community-Led Council-Led Greening and LID Projects:

Landscaping and 1. Tree Planting
Depaving Projects 2. Depaving Surface Initiatives
3. Pilot Permeable/Green Surfaces
Projects
4. Determine High Flood Risk Zones
Government Academia
Ministries and and NGOs
Agencies
Public Land Owners
(Businesses and
People Residencial Properties)
Ongoing connections Private Land Owners

to ensure alignment (PTG, Building/Land
Owners, Infra Service
New connections to introduce Providers)
and strengthen alignment
Figure 35: Mainstreaming Group 2—Green Adaptive City
While KLCH may be able to implement actions on public land, a large part of the city comprises of privately-owned
land, requiring KLCH to engage and collaborate with stakeholders, while increasing awareness and providing incentives
for residents and business owners to take on revegetation projects of their own. Understanding the indirectly related
initiatives that can support the delivery of the action’s objectives will allow lead departments to ensure that coordination
is undertaken for action implementation success.
95
Mainstreaming Energy Efficient & Climate-Proof Building Actions
KLCH has existing building-related policies in place which currently only apply to new buildings, particularly in the
commercial sector. The Near Zero Emissions Building Roadmap is to be built upon KLCH’s existing OSC policies. It
will increase the stringent regulations to be put in place over the years, and include strategies to improve the energy
efficiency and climate resilience of existing buildings.

Develop a Near Zero Emissions Decrease Building Energy Consumption for All
Building Roadmap Buildings in KL

Blueprint 2030
Plans
KLCH Strategic Plan
Goal 1 Strategy 2 KLLCSBP2030

to Establish Green Building Retrofit
Buildings in KL
Programmes
Development Order Establish LC Buildings

(DO) Conditions to Task Force
Impose Sustainable
Building Requirements
Procedures
Government Roadmap Development for Buildings

Ministries and in KL Achieve Significant Energy
Agencies Emissions Reductions by 2050:
1. Building Construction and
Projects Equipment Upgrades
2. Energy Usage Benchmarking,
Academia and Industry Monitoring and Reporting
Associations (e.g. 3. Use of Incentives and Enforcement
MGBC, PAM, IEM)
People
Private Sector
Residents
(e.g. developers)
Ongoing connections
to ensure alignment
New connections to introduce

Figure 36: Mainstreaming Group 3—Energy Efficient and Climate-Proof Buildings
Through engaging and collaborating with industry associations as well as the community at large, KLCH will be able to raise
awareness, build capacity and incentivise private building retrofits. To lead by example, KLCH will increase their ambition to
improve the energy efficiency and climate resilience of their own assets. This action must be mainstreamed across several
existing KLCH initiatives, as well as KLCAP2050 and KLLCSBP2030 actions, as their objectives are very similar—to decrease
building energy consumption and therefore, carbon emissions. As such, KLCH must approach this long-term and ambitious
action through collaboration and heavy involvement with various stakeholders. Excluding stakeholder involvement will
increase the risk in failure for the city’s building stock to decrease its emissions over the next few decades.
96
Mainstreaming Solid Waste Management Actions
KLCH is responsible for solid waste management for a large part of the municipality of Kuala Lumpur, with the exemption
of private commercial areas and high-rise residential developments. Implementing waste collection and mandating solid
waste, however, fall under different agencies, and so require ample collaboration.

Establish Solid Waste Reduction Decrease Waste Generation of the City
Through a Waste Masterplan
KL Local KL Structure Plan KL Low Carbon Society

Plan 2030 2040 Blueprint 2030
Plans KLCH Strategic Plan Establish the KL

Waste Management
Masterplan
Recycling Community Awareness

Programmes Programmes Programmes
KLCH Policy KL Bersih Steering

Requirements for Committee
Waste Management
Procedures
KLCH Landed
Residential SWM
Collection Process
Projects
Recycling and Circular Waste Initiatives:
1. Food Waste to Energy Project
2. LA21 Upcycling & Recycling Projects
3. UNESCAP Closing the Loop Project
4. Recycle Programmes for Low-Income Groups
5. Recycle Programmes for Petty Traders
6. Smart Bin Initiative
People
Government Private Sector Residents NGOs, Academia and

Ministries and Industry Sssociations
Agencies
Barriers—Waste collection and disposal is currently depending on external Ongoing connections

stakeholders. Note that it is important to include these external stakeholders to ensure alignment
in creating and implementing the KLWMMP. Different jurisdiction limitation
between government agencies include KLCH.
New connections to introduce
Figure 37: Mainstreaming Group 4—Smart Waste Management
KLCH aim to decrease solid waste generation as well as increase recycling through stakeholder engagement as well as
awareness raising campaigns. Additionally, KLCH will continue collaborating and expanding their current programmes
with NGOs in schools and social housing estates. Due to the lacking authority for KLCH to enforce solid waste
management malpractice and mismanagement, it is critical that there is close collaboration with their key stakeholders—
SWCorp and Alam Flora.
97
Consistently Working to Mainstream
Mainstreaming climate action is not always straightforward or easy. There are barriers to overcome, such as organisational
structures, political factors and resource constraints 2. As KLCH moves forward with implementation, it will consider the
following ingredients to achieving mainstreaming. In addition to monitoring and evaluating the implementation of climate
actions, KLCH should also take mainstreaming opportunities for climate actions as they arise in the dynamic, changing
and growing city of Kuala Lumpur.
Current KLCH Mayor and Federal Territory Minister Visiting Kuala Lumpur’s Parks
Human Resources for Climate Action Implementation

While the city of Kuala Lumpur has made significant Within KLCH, the management and planning of climate-
progress with developing and implementing mitigation- related actions is undertaken by the Low Carbon
related climate actions, the level of awareness and Secretariat, while growing awareness and capacity is
capacity in relation to adaptation-related climate actions is the responsibility of the training arm of KLCH, under the
not yet well established. Human Resources (HR) Department. The HR Department
are also in charge of rolling out Sustainable Development
Without adequate capacity and relevant know-how within Goal training from 2021, which will greatly assist in raising
KLCH and across the entire municipality, it will be difficult awareness of the link between mitigation, adaptation, and
to deliver on action implementation. Milestones and inclusivity as well as governance and collaboration.
mainstreaming opportunities to consolidate efforts would
be delayed or limited.
2
For an elaborate summary of mainstreaming barriers: see Runhaar et al (2017) Mainstreaming climate adaptation: taking stock about “what works” from empirical research worldwide.
Resource: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10113-017-1259-5
98
“We owe it to the city’s stakeholders who are paying
the salaries of some 10,000 full-time and part-time City
Hall employees, which is an estimated RM540mil of
taxpayer money.... That is why we need to give back to the
community through capacity building, by developing,
nurturing and strengthening the skills as well as changing
the mindsets and attitudes of DBKL3 staff.”4
—The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur,
Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah on perennial issues of Kuala Lumpur
Moving forward, KLCH will consider embedding

climate-related targets into department-level Key City Budgets &
Performance Indicators (KPIs). Integrating climate action Climate Action Financing
into departmental and team KPIs related to their work
function will encourage departments to ensure that their KLCH has an annual budget and expenditure that is
plans, programmes, procedures and projects are working derived mostly through licensing fees and property taxes
towards KLCH’s overall climate action targets. or assessment rates. To date, this has been found to be
sufficient to fund KLCH’s programmes. The planning and
Beyond these initiatives for KLCH’s staff and departments, mechanisms for funding KLCH activities are also based
the council aims to build capacity on conducting on an annual schedule, with departments designing
meaningful stakeholder engagement in order for KLCH proposed projects and requesting the necessary budget
employees to successfully work toward collaboration, and finances at the start of the year.
raising awareness as well as build civic responsibility
among Kuala Lumpur’s population. As the capital city of Malaysia, KLCH receives financing
and support from several ministries and agencies of
This is in-line with KLCH’s long-term vision, ‘A City for the Federal Government, which can be mobilised for
All’; building capacity to engage, include and respond larger-scale implementation of climate actions across the
to the people it serves is a priority for the Mayor. city. This funding is not as secure and relies on Federal
Kuala Lumpur’s population will play a crucial role in priorities, which are dependent on the political climate.
establishing, contributing and actively participating in KLCH has also received international capacity-building
the implementation of climate action across the city. It and funding for the development of climate-related
is imperative that KLCH endeavours to collaborate with actions, such as support from the Tokyo Metropolitan
residents, not only on its journey in the development and Government and the UK Government. This financing has
implementation of climate action, but also on broader enabled KLCH to carry out initiatives and project support
issues around climate change and inclusivity and equity. through awareness raising, knowledge sharing and
capacity building.
KLCH has acknowledged that without adequate public
engagement and involvement, the actions they implement KLCH has a positive outlook on its capacity to self-fund
will not be a success. The Climate Action Plan focuses climate action projects, but acknowledges that a pipeline
only on several prioritised actions, many of which include of long-term action planning, development and funding
community collaboration, as well as campaigns and is needed to ensure that financing for projects does not
programmes to raise awareness. The latter are especially abruptly fall short of achieving carbon neutrality, climate
crucial for actions that, due to current limitations on resilience and inclusive action by 2050.
KLCH’s city powers, rely on active involvement across the
private sector and the community.
3
DBKL, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur is the name of KLCH in Malay.
4
2020, Bavani M, The Star Online, Three Core Issues on the Mayoral Agenda, https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2020/11/16/three-core-issues-on-the-mayoral-agenda
99
Barriers &
KLCH has set forth many climate actions and
roadmaps for implementation. However, this
Conditionalities for is not enough to ensure a successful Climate

Action Plan. In order to achieve carbon
Climate Action in neutrality and climate resilience in the city,
Kuala Lumpur
KLCH will need to overcome several key
barriers and unlock conditional requirements
for implementing several climate actions.
Legal & Institutional

KLCH lacks legal authority over several sectors that are “But neither do we want to
key to the implementation of particular strategies or
actions. Sectors such as energy generation and supply,
close the door on the possibility
for example, are centrally controlled at Federal level. of e-scooters without thinking
With the authority split between a Federal agency and
things through first.”6
the electricity concessionaire, KLCH is itself unable to
implement actions or policy requiring decarbonisation of —The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur,
the electricity grid. Datuk Seri Mahadi Che Ngah
on e-scooters
Similarly, the push towards electric vehicle (EV) uptake
is difficult for KLCH alone to achieve. The regulation for KLCH will also focus its own resources to accelerate
vehicle emissions is controlled by transportation agencies, progress across those areas where it does have the
while tax exemptions and incentives to purchase EVs are requisite control. Under the leadership of the Mayor,
managed by the federal-level Ministry of Finance. While the council is studying safe mechanisms to introduce
KLCH can raise awareness and encourage Kuala Lumpur’s and encourage personal mobility devices (PMDs) such as
population, it will need to engage other government e-scooters into the urban streets despite the Police making
agencies to fully realise this ambition. it illegal to use on all roads. This may help to reduce high
levels of personal vehicle usage and traffic congestion,
Though laws or regulations may prevent or limit KLCH’s both of which are large contributors to carbon emissions
climate action implementation capacities, KLCH can and air pollution. The KLSP2040 and this KLCAP2050
and will play an active role in initiating engagement and identify the next steps for developing road design
collaborating with stakeholders to implement projects that guidelines that will take into account users of bicycles and
extend beyond their areas of authority. low-speed PMDs such as e-scooters, while also potentially
designating pedestrianised streets7 for the promotion of
To exemplify this, KLCH has begun collaborating with active mobility.
TNB on the installation of renewable energy generation
equipment on council assets, to set a precedent for private
buildings. The MoU between KLCH and TNB will yield Financial & Economic
benefits for both organisations to achieve their targets
and also support the national renewable energy targets The ability of KLCH to implement its Climate Action Plan
of 20% in 20255 (and subsequent longer-term targets). This may be constrained by insufficient financial resources, or by
collaborative relationship can possibly extend to include rules which restrict KLCH expenditure from being applied
energy efficiency projects through TNB’s smart metering in particular ways. Further barriers may limit KLCH’s options
programme expected in early 2022. This will greatly assist to access finance from the private commercial sector and/or
in KLCH’s energy efficient and climate-proof buildings from international climate finance such as development
strategies, including benchmarking building energy banks, with the latter typically funding national
consumption prior to grading buildings. governments rather than sub-national entities directly.
5
The Edge Markets Online, Building on the Tenaga legacy for a brighter future,
https://www.theedgemarkets.com/content/advertise/building-on-the-tenaga-legacy-for-a-brighter-future
6
Bavani M, The Star Online, DBKL not ready to dismiss use of e-scooters,
https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2021/01/04/dbkl-not-ready-to-dismiss-use-of-e-scooters
7
2020, Veena Babulal, The Star Online, KL wants to pedestrianise 10 roads by 2025, https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/02/563965/kl-wants-pedestrianise-10-roads-2025
100
A key barrier associated with national policy
that directly relates to the current high level
of carbon emissions in Kuala Lumpur is the
subsidising of the cost of fossil fuels by the
national government. This does not encourage
Kuala Lumpur’s businesses or citizens to
undertake retrofitting of buildings to decrease
heat gain, nor to invest in more efficient energy-
consuming equipment such as air conditioners
and refrigerators, and electric vehicles.
The development of the KLCAP2050 has

provided opportunities for conversations
between KLCH and agencies such as the Energy
Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga, or ST) and
the Ministry of Transport (MOT). More of
these multi-level government discussions and
collaborations should take place, initiated by
KLCH where appropriate.
At the same time, KLCH does have authority

and will focus its own efforts and resources in
accelerating actions within its control. One such
key programme that will begin in 2021 is the
progressive electrification of the KLCH-operated
GoKL, a public transportation bus fleet.8 This
highlights the city’s commitment, as well as
serves as a pilot programme for other public and
private transportation agencies to move towards
the electrification of their own fleets.
8
2020, Bernama, The Malay Mail, DBKL to allocate reduced Budget of RM2.653b for 2021, says mayor,
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/12/17/dbkl-to-allocate-reduced-budget-of-rm2.653b-for-2021-says-mayor/1932847
101
Political & Social Practical & Technological
For the Climate Action Plan to be successfully Kuala Lumpur’s progress in addressing the call to action
implemented, it will require political and public implemention may be constrained by practical limitations,
acceptance and support. KLCH remains dedicated such as the level of development and availability of
to advancing the identified climate actions, while required technologies to facilitate key actions. For
understanding the potential for conflicts of interest example, the current lack of digital infrastructure for
between federal and local authorities, such as the drive high-quality daily data on transportation mode share.
to develop highways and high-end development, despite Due to the central location of Kuala Lumpur within the
an oversupply of unaffordable homes and unoccupied Klang Valley conurbation, large volumes of vehicles move,
offices. KLCH is committed to engaging with relevant visit, circulate within and pass through KLCH each day.
federal agencies to achieve socially, economically and While it will take some years, KLCH is aiming to improve
environmentally beneficial solutions to any conflicting data collection mechanisms through the upgrading of
agendas. KLCH will also focus on climate action in areas road traffic surveillance cameras. When the project is
where it has control, such as improving the infrastructure completed, KLCH will be able to more accurately monitor
of Kuala Lumpur to achieve its vision of ‘A City for All’. the success of its transport policies and projects, as well as
improve the accuracy of future GHG inventories.
KLCH noted through its KLLCSBP2030 the need for a
Low Carbon Task Force to be established to lead the Overcoming Barriers Through Collaboration
development of low carbon initiatives as well as foster KLCH is determined not to allow existing barriers to
collaboration with relevant agencies, the private sector obstruct progress towards achieving its long-term
and the community at large, in order to ensure that climate goals and targets. KLCH will pave the way for
Kuala Lumpur’s climate targets can be met unhindered. better integration and roll-out of climate actions. As the
Based on the addition to the KLCAP2050, the task force ‘caretakers’ of the capital city of Malaysia, KLCH will lobby
can be expanded to become the Low Carbon & Resilient for greater parliamentary support for local climate actions,
Cities Secretariat. including amendment of by-laws and enforcement of
recycling and vehicle speed limits regulations.
The LA21 programme is an example of KLCH’s successful
implementation of various Public-Private-Partnership KLCH under the leadership of the current Mayor is
(PPP) projects, with community-led implementation. determined to create a safe and sustainable city for its
Moving forward, the LA21 programme will scale up its residents. Increased transparency with projects, along with
implementation and will also increase its scope and a harder stance on government-linked contractors, are
ambition to integrate climate change adaptation targets. already demonstrated in statements calling for increased
accountability 9, which will support KLCH’s climate agenda.
9
2021, Bavani M, The Star Online, Digging up causes of hole issue, https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2021/02/08/digging-up-causes-of-hole-issue
102
Monitoring,
Developing and implementing a climate
action plan is not a ‘one-off’ exercise. It
Evaluation requires continuous monitoring, evaluation

and reporting (MER) of progress and
and Reporting periodic updates. MER will allow for actions
Within KLCH
to be tracked, assessed and reported in
an organised manner to promote KLCH’s
accountability in the implementation of its
climate actions.
Monitoring Evaluation Reporting
Track Progress of Assess the Impact Promote

Climate Action of Climate Action Transparency &
Implementation Implementation Accountability
Continuous, systematic Process to assess and Present data and analysis

collection of data understand changes to stakeholders
Figure 38: Why Do We Need to Monitor, Evaluate and Report Climate Actions?
This section builds upon the previous governance structure found in the earlier part of this chapter and identifies the
mechanism for climate action-level MER. The Figure below demonstrates the flow of information and responsible parties
based on the collective effort of KLCH departments. Actions should be monitored on a monthly basis; and depending on
the climate action, progress is to be evaluated by KLCH quarterly, biannually or annual.
Monitoring Evaluation Reporting
Mitigation
GHG Emissions-
related Data
Collection
Action-level Adaptation KLCH Low

Implementation Climate Hazard, Carbon &
& Progress Environment
Climate Action Resilient KLCH’s
Implementation Reporting & Land-use Stakeholders
Cities
by all KLCH Related Data Secretariat
Departments Collection
Inclusive
Socio-Economic
Observation &
Data Collection
Figure 39: Kuala Lumpur’s MER Process and Organisation Involvement
103
Monitoring
In order to track the progress of KLCH’s prioritised An example of how KLCH will be tracking an action
actions, several indicators have been identified for all is provided for the action Deploy Low Impact
priority actions. These indicators are to be systematically Development (LID), which aims to increase water
monitored, to ensure that trends, both positive and retention capacity to prevent flash floods through nature-
negative, can be identified. based solutions. The indicators identified for monitoring
are as follows:
Table 14: Example of Action Tracking for Kuala Lumpur’s Climate Action Plan
PRIORITY MONITORING RESPONSIBLE

INDICATOR TITLE CATEGORY
INDICATORS FREQUENCY DEPARTMENT
1. Volume of water retention capacity Output Quarterly/Per project JKAWS
created (m3) (public and private space)
2. Area of vegetated green cover created Output Quarterly/Per project JKAS/JPLR
(m2) (public and private space)
3. % of city covered under emergency Output Annually JKAS/JPRB
management plan
4. % of population aware of management Output Annually/Per project JPKKB
campaigns (disaggregated for age
group, gender)
The indicators identify the different but complementary • The final indicator relating to (4) population awareness
outputs and outcomes from undertaking the sub-actions is important to highlight the knowledge that they live
and of the action itself. These different indicators weave in a flood prone area and are able to call for assistance
an important picture relating to action implementation. if needed
For example,
• (4) Population awareness can also mobilise residents
• The (1) water retention capacity volume is often to work towards implementing their own or joint-
influenced by (2) vegetated green area; this might collaboration LID initiatives
be unevenly spread throughout the city—with one
parliamentary area or zone containing a higher water
retention volume despite receiving less rainfall
• The (3) proportion of the city covered by an emergency

plan could be based on need, i.e. flood and flash flood
prone areas
104
To illustrate monitoring of each prioritised action, the table below highlights the primary indicator to be measured for
every action.
Table 15: Prime Indicators for Each Priority Action Item
KLCH’S PRIORITISED
PRIME INDICATOR
CLIMATE ACTIONS
% of all building floor area complying to climate-related policies
Low Carbon Building
Checklist Validation Benchmarking policy % of all new buildings to which the policy applies to
Temperature difference in °C between paved and depaved spaces

Depave Public Space
with the Community % area / # neighbourhoods upgraded via depaving programmes
Volume of water retention capacity created (m3) (public and private space)
Deploy Low Impact
Development (LID) Number of LID measures installed
% of buildings exceeding minimum specification / policy requirements

Near Zero Emissions
Building Roadmap # / % of homes/buildings retrofitted
Collection efficiency
Solid Waste Reduction
through a Waste Masterplan Waste generated per capita (kg / person / year)
% of city covered under the plan

Drought Management Plan
and Response Plan # of early warning systems in place for each hazard
% of city covered under emergency flooding response plan

Flood Management and
Response Plan % of population aware of flood management and response campaigns
Length (km) of cooling routes established

Heat Management and
Response Plan % of population within 15 minutes of a cooling centre
# / % of developments with max. green covering building implemented

Building Vegetation
Covering # / % of developments covered by new green requirement codes
# of existing households undergoing retrofitting of low carbon green building

Building Performance measures
Benchmarking and Rating
# of building codes integrating benchmarking policy
Total emissions from motorised transport (t CO2e)

Street Design to Prioritise
Active Mobility PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations
Area of shaded cover created (m2) (disaggregated for public and private land)
Protect Parks and
Increase Biodiverse Areas # of zoning changes to open space (focused on emissions reductions or cliimate
vulnerability)
# of km or % of streets with shaded pedestrian facilities (i.e. pavement/sidewalks)
Comfortable and Safe
Pedestrian Networks # of km of improved accessibility infrastructure (disaggregated for income level
of communities)
Identified target # or % of new affordable housing units within walking distance
Accessible Affordable Housing (500m) of mass transit stations
in Priority Area
# / % of affordable housing units within 500m of frequent MT
% of low-income population within 500m walking distance of a stop

Upgrade & Expansion of
Existing Bus Lane Network # of km of bus priority lanes (disaggregated for city districts)
105
Evaluation
In addition to monitoring progress, KLCH will evaluate • Relevance—are the action’s objectives and additional
the implementation of their climate actions. Evaluation benefits met?
of the prioritised actions will enable the council to • Coherence—is the action understood by the
assess performance through quantitative and qualitative implementers and is the required collaboration for
methods, enabling the identification of any improvements delivery achieved?
required to enhance the progress of the action’s
• Effectiveness—was the action delivered as planned?
implementation.
• Efficiency—was the action delivered on time, on cost,
The most important aspect of evaluation is the ability to and with expected feasibility?
assess and understand the changes in the municipality • Impact—how impactful was the action on carbon
as climate actions are implemented and their impacts emissions, climate risk reductions and inclusivity
observed. The evaluation process itself follows on from targets?
the Monitoring of actions, whereby KLCH will evaluate • Sustainability—is the project sustainable?
each action’s progress based on the following criteria:
The evaluation process for Kuala Lumpur can be seen below:
Information from
Climate Action Monitoring
1 2 3
Assess Climate Rate Climate Analyse Climate
Action based Action by Criteria Action Performance
on Prime for Future
Indicators N L G S Improvement
KLCH to assess performance
data and benchmark data
No Implementation Good Implementation
against previous or existing
data and trends. Limited Implementation Strong Implementation
Figure 40: Evaluation Process for KLCH Climate Actions
106
Reporting
A consistent and regular reporting process will allow KLCH goals identified. Monthly reporting meetings with the
to highlight their achievements in implementing climate Mayor will be set, though different frequencies are
action, while also identifying issues and opportunities to recommended depending on the audience and the
adapt and improve existing approaches. nature of actions being reported. The figure below
highlights the reporting framework for Kuala Lumpur,
The Low Carbon & Resilient Cities Secretariat will update with the established reporting requirements and
progress and achievements on these actions in a manner findings from the Monitoring and Evaluation sections.
that is comparable to the baseline year as well as the
KLCH Non-Governmental
Mayoral Team Citizens
Departments Stakeholders
Progress: Action Progress: Action

Development Development Outputs
and Effects Risk Reduction
Outputs (Quantitative Outcomes
What Do Outcomes and Qualitative)
Information
They Need? (Quantitative and
Impacts Impacts Indicators
Outcomes (Quantitative Risk Reduction
Qualitative) and Qualitative) Future Scenarios
Information
Cost-Benefit Ratios Cost-Benefit Ratios
Accountability
Accountability Reporting
Decision-making Accountability
Why Do Progress Reporting Basis for Funding
and Planning Awareness Building
They Need to Resource Allocation Requests
Resource Allocation Education
Know This? Basis for Partnerships Basis for Partnerships
Policy Making for and Synergies Behavioural Change
and Synergies
Climate Action
Graphs/Data
Executive Summaries Spatial Distributions/ Infographics
Mapping Scenario and
Communication Graphs/Data Tables Social Media
Reports and Climate Modeling
Methods Cost-Benefit Ratios
Assessments Summaries Infographics
KPI Achievement % Executive Summaries
Scenario and Climate
Modelling Summaries
Frequency Monthly/ Quarterly/ Quarterly/

Project Based Monthly/ Ongoing
Project Based
Figure 41: Outline of KLCH’s Reporting Framework for Climate Action Planning
Reporting progress of climate actions, or in some cases sub-actions, provides visibility and objectivity to support
the accountability and transparency of KLCH. It also provides opportunity for strategies and actions to be modified
in response to changing circumstances and, if needed, provide the evidence for KLCH to adjust the strategy for
implementation in order to better achieve their long-term goals and targets.
107
Moving
Forward
Despite the work put into developing plans, KLCH is committed to reporting updates
no action plan is perfect. This is why we annually at the action level, and full updates
have developed a plan that ties monitoring, to the KLCAP2050 every five years. Below are
evaluation and reporting into its process, several areas identified for KLCH to address
not only for key climate actions but the over the next five years, in order to have an
entire KLCAP2050. improved and updated Climate Action Plan.
108
Data Quality and Collection Unforeseen Circumstances
In Kuala Lumpur, despite good quality data being Similarly, unforeseen events place further emphasis on
utilised wherever available, there were limitations to the the importance of regular monitoring and evaluation of
datasets utilised. To illustrate this, Kuala Lumpur’s data is data and progress. Notably, the Covid-19 pandemic will
estimated in its entirety by DOSM, not in district, zones have a longer lasting impact on Kuala Lumpur than we can
or parliamentary area. Different sectors within KLCH use currently understand or project in any scenario modelling
differing zones and boundaries. exercise (as it will on Malaysia as a whole, and economies
and societies all around the world). Figures included in
There is a need to review what has been measured in the the KLCAP2050 are conservative, though the growth
baseline GHG inventory for the city, examine the data pattern and the impact on climate action planning and
sources and assumptions which have been applied and implementation from how and when Kuala Lumpur as a
developing new ways of sourcing data in order to establish city recovers from the pandemic will require continuous
a more detailed, accurate and complete quantification monitoring, impartial evaluation, and informed reporting.
and understanding of the key sources of emissions from
the city. This is addressable through better data collection
process and can be improved over time, as KLCH moves
forward with implementing the Climate Action Plan. Mitigating Barriers
Despite the political, social, economic, technological and
other barriers, KLCH must remain resilient and push ahead
Importance of Self-Evaluation toward its goals to make Kuala Lumpur ‘A City For All’ by
2040. KLCH will always strive to ensure the betterment of
When the KLLCSBP2030 was produced in 2017, the first the city, despite the threat of climate hazards; maximising
city-level GHG emissions profile compiled for Kuala its current capacity and striving for greater collaboration
Lumpur included forecasted growth rates for future with other ministries and partners.
carbon emissions based on population growth observed
in the years leading up to the base year of 2010, which was KLCH has a crucial leadership role in implementing this
high. The actual population of Kuala Lumpur has, in reality, KLCAP2050. Though barriers may reduce the speed at
only slightly increased since 2015. which KLCH and the city’s residents are able to implement
the plan, KLCH will always work, as far as its powers allow,
In developing this KLCAP2050, it has therefore been to overcome barriers and create a future which embraces
possible to apply more conservative population growth integrated, successful and inclusive climate action.
trends, resulting in a lower level of forecast
carbon emissions for 2030 than was seen in the
KLLCSBP2030. On the other hand, economic projections
in the form of the city’s GDP that were utilised in the
KLLCSBP2030 (in 2017) were very close to what we
have seen in actual recorded economic data up to
2020, therefore resulting in similar economic projected
data utilised.
This highlights the need for KLCH to evaluate and update

data on an iterative basis, and for climate action-level
data, KLCH intends to put in place measures to monitor
data which will enable them to analyse and study trends.
For example:
• Multi-hazard Platform, which observes weather
patterns, analyses and predicts upcoming hazards in
Kuala Lumpur
• Building energy consumption tracker, which will assist in
future iterations of Kuala Lumpur’s GHG inventory
109
Conclusion
In the face of rising global temperatures and more emissions and improve resilience through the provision of
frequent extreme weather events over recent decades sustainable public infrastructure and the introduction of
due to man-made climate change, KLCH has intensified its stringent environmental requirements, private actors can
focus on combatting climate change and increasing the provide the technology, financial instruments that will be
climate resilience of Kuala Lumpur. To this end, KLCH has needed for city-wide climate action. Residents of Kuala
established several actions and roadmaps which outline Lumpur have a great opportunity to incorporate climate
the city’s strategies and actions to tackle this pressing considerations into everyday choices on personal lifestyles
global and local crisis. that will support multiple KLCAP2050 actions as well.
The development of this KLCAP2050 builds upon previous KLCH is determined that through coordinated and
city commitments and goes beyond, creating a pathway effective implementation, good climate governance and
for Kuala Lumpur to transform into a climate neutral relentless monitoring, evaluation and reporting as the
and resilient city by 2050. For this goal to be realised, implementation of the KLCAP2050 moves forward, Kuala
collaboration and cooperation across all stakeholders is Lumpur can become a sustainable, liveable city that
required. While the public sector strives to reduce carbon continues to thrive in a changing world.
110
111
Acknowledgements
KLCH would like to thank the following organisations for the input received for the development of the KLCAP2050.
Ministries
Ministry Environment and Water (MEWA)
Ministry of Federal Territories (KWP)
Ministry of Transport (MOT)
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KETSA)
Agencies & Concessionaires

Agensi Pengangkutan Air dan Darat (APAD)
Alam Flora Sdn. Bhd.
Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID)
Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM)
Energy Commission (EC)
Indah Water Konsortium (IWK)
Malaysia Meteorology Department (MMD)
Malaysia GreenTech Corporation (MGTC)
National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA)
National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM)
PLANMalaysia (Department of Town and Country Planning)
Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (SEDA)
Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp)
Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)
Academia & Non-Governmental Organisations

Cycling Kuala Lumpur
Mercy Malaysia
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
KLCAP2050 Project Team
Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH)

Datuk Seri Haji Mahadi bin Che Ngah, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur
Datuk Sulaiman bin Mohamed, Executive Director of Planning Sector
City Planning Department Representatives

Datuk Zulkurnain bin Hassan
Haji Rosli bin Nordin
Nor Hashida binti Harun
Nurul Hidayah binti Zawawi
Siti Rushiah binti Rani
Siti Hajar Madina binti Mohd Zin
Nor Wahidah binti Abd. Wahid
Other Department Representatives

Masitah binti Salleh
Ts M. Faizal bin Zulkarnaini
Mohd Shahrul Hafizi bin Abdul Raawi
Noor Haida binti Haji Hashim
C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group

Alissa Raj
Rebecca Claire Chan Mun Cheng
Devni Acharya
Ingrid Simon
Sweco, CAS & Deltares Consortium

Enrico Moens
Jelmer van de Ridder
Arjen Koekoek
Romee Prijden
Sien Kok
Huey Yee Yoong
George Parsons
Deloitte Risk Advisory

Cashreyn Maisara binti Mohd Azlan
Lorraine Jiang Gordon
Rafiqah Azira binti Mohd Razeb
Lim Wei Ren
Carbon Trust
Paul Wedgwood
Robert Hatcher
Frances Bean

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Kuala

Building upon our previous work, we have developed the

Mayor of Kuala Lumpur’s Foreword 02

C40 Regional Director’s Foreword 03

CHAPTER 01: Kuala Lumpur’s Climate Action Journey 12

CHAPTER 02: Climate Change & Kuala Lumpur 16

Kuala Lumpur’s City Context 21

Forward-looking Trends for Kuala Lumpur 26

Placing Climate Action Within 28

CHAPTER 03: Towards a Low Carbon & Resilient City 32

Developing Kuala Lumpur’s Priority Climate Actions 66

Roadmaps for Delivering Kuala Lumpur’s 78

CHAPTER 05: Planning for Implementation 88

Mainstreaming, Resources & Financing 92

Barriers & Conditionalities for Climate Action 100

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Within KLCH 103

Moving Forward 108

The Need for Kuala Lumpur to Act

RESILIENCE TO INCLUSIVITY AND BENEFITS

Figure 1: Key Components of the Climate Action Plan

Towards Carbon Neutrality by 2050 Carbon Emissions Reductions from

Figure 2 illustrates the projected carbon emissions

• Drought Risk: Increased incidences and severity

Developing Kuala Lumpur’s Priority Climate Actions

Planning for Implementation of the Climate Action Plan

CLIMATE STRATEGIES PRIORITISED OBJECTIVES

Comfortable & Safe Provide a large network of safe pedestrian routes to

Accessible Affordable Increase the availability of affordable housing

Depave Public Space Increase permeable surfaces to support stormwater

Low Carbon Building Reduce energy consumption of buildings through

Building Performance Develop maximum allowable Building Energy Intensities

Drought Management & Reduce the impact of extreme drought on citizens by

This section highlights

Kuala Lumpur, as Malaysia’s capital city, is also proud to

Kuala Lumpur Low Carbon Society Blueprint 2030

DBKL Carbon Management Plan

Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur

Draf Pelan Struktur Kuala Lumpur

2006 2016 2017

LOCAL AGENDA 21 KLCH CARBON MANAGEMENT KL LOW CARBON SOCIETY

2021 2019 2018

KL CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2050 KL JOINS THE KLLCSBP2030 SUMMARY FOR

Figure 3: KLCH’s Journey in Sustainability and Climate Change Initiatives

RESILIENCE TO INCLUSIVITY AND BENEFITS

Figure 4: Key Components of the Climate Action Plan

• Establish Kuala Lumpur’s pathway to achieve carbon

• Incorporate an inclusive approach to climate action

• Establish a governance structure that will drive and

The KLCAP2050 has been developed with support from

The Window for Taking Action is Disappearing

Figure 5: Observed and Projected Global Temperature Change

Level of additional impact / risk due to climate change

High or severe risks / impacts, likely irreversible

High Severe and widespread risks / impacts. Undetectable No impacts detectable.

Confidence level for transition: M=Medium and H=High

Catastrophic impacts of climate change are

City Context surrounding municipalities, it forms the

Physical & Environmental Context

URBANISATION WATERBODY GEOGRAPHY POLLUTION