Battling climate change: What can Penang do about it?

The battle to cope with climate change has just begun although Penang has take great strides in protecting the environment from becoming the first state to ban single use plastics to the setting up of financial incentives to entice the private sector to go green.

State executive councillor in charge of the environment, Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo said that the campaign to prepare Penang for climate change is gradually being unveiled but importantly, society must buy into the concept that if their behaviour does not change, more harm can befall them.

Climate change sees an aggressive weather pattern from the rougher seas to heavier rainfall, storms and longer drought, which can unearth landslides and cause flash flooding, piling on more misery to residents, especially those residing in prone areas.

In a special interview to mark the annual Penang Green Summit, whose theme this year revolves around renewable energy, Sundarajoo brings a different perspective to the table because he started his career as a technocrat in the listed developer firm of S.P. Setia Berhad.

From building homes to saving the environment, Sundarajoo does not mince his words, saying that both the public and private sectors need to come together in an effort to save mother nature.

He cited that 30,000 recycled bags were distributed to mark the state’s move to outright ban single use plastics but lamented that more alternatives need to be accorded to hawkers and vendors as plastic packaging remains the most practical and affordable to consumers.

Sundarajoo wants more recyclable bags to be made available, especially at every service center of the 40 state assemblymen out to serve Penang.

He also wants the two city councils; the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) to install more rubbish bins throughout the state to curb littering, the main contributor to water pollution.

It is proven that microplastics is the main contaminant in the seas and rivers, and the fishes that humans consume, are proven to have similar contents in it.

Therefore, it is imperative to stop littering, especially the indiscriminate dumping of plastics, especially those non – biodegradables, said Sundarajoo.

“We need to stop the habit of littering. Perhaps higher fines and more community service.”

Sundarajoo also singled out the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) for installing eco – friendly systems to prevent discharge of effluents into the river.

In conclusion to fight climate change, society needs to first change and grasp the consequences of dealing with unfriendly weather, Sundarajoo says.

He also answered queries posed in a point form about the state’s greenery efforts:

1. What incentives can (state) governments provide to encourage green investments?

•     Recognition and awards through programs like the Penang Green Office certifications.
•     Climate Mitigation Fund (CM-Fund)by the State, collaboration with local banking provider to encourage SMEs in adopting sustainable practices

2. How can global cooperation be improved to tackle climate change?

•     Strengthen sister city partnerships (e.g. with Japanese or European green cities) for technology and knowledge exchange.
•     Encourage joint research projects between local universities (USM, UTAR) and global green tech institutes.
•     Seek foreign direct investment (FDI) in clean energy, waste management, and circular economy sectors.
•     Align Penang’s Climate Action Plan with ASEAN and UN SDG frameworks.

3. How can cities become greener without increasing inequality?

•     Promote affordable green housing with solar-ready designs and efficient water systems.
•     Expand public transportation networks (e.g. pedestrian-friendly zones) to reduce reliance on private cars.
•     Create urban farming and community garden programs to provide both food access and social cohesion.
•     Support inclusive job creation in the green sector — especially for low-income and youth groups.
•     Develop community parks, urban gardens, and pocket green spaces in all districts, not just urban centers.
•     Involve residents in urban decision-making through town halls and participatory planning.

4. What role do smart cities and sustainable design play in the future?

•     Improve energy use, mobility, and waste management. Use IoT sensors for energy, waste, and traffic management under Penang Smart City initiatives.
•     Encourage green building design (e.g. GBI, MyCREST standards, GreenRE) for all new developments.
•     Integrate data-driven urban planning to reduce congestion and carbon footprint.
•     Adopt smart waste collection systems (sensor-based bins, route optimization).
•     Promote digital inclusion to ensure all citizens benefit from smart city solutions.

5. How can local communities be empowered to drive sustainability efforts?

•     Support grassroots programs through Penang Green Citizen and MAMPAN Directory initiatives.
•     Provide micro-grants or seed funding for community-led green projects.
•     Encourage local councils (MBPP & MBSP) to collaborate with residents on recycling and composting programs.
•     Offer capacity-building workshops on ESG, waste segregation, and energy conservation.
•     Highlight success stories through PGC’s platforms to inspire replication.

6. How should companies measure and report their sustainability progress?

•     Adopt ESG reporting standards (e.g. Bursa Malaysia’s Sustainability Reporting Guide).
•     Track carbon footprint, energy use, and waste diversion metrics annually.
•     Use PGC’s Green Office certification as a framework for continuous improvement.
•     Encourage participation in state or national sustainability awards to benchmark progress.
•     Disclose social impact data, such as employee well-being and community engagement.

7. What examples of successful green business models can others learn from?

•     Solar leasing companies reducing upfront cost barriers for SMEs.
•     Zero-waste retailers and bulk refill stations growing across Penang.
•     Eco-tourism and heritage conservation businesses in George Town.
•     Recycling and upcycling enterprises creating value from waste materials.
•     Green tech startups collaborating with Penang Science Cluster and PGC initiatives.

8. How do we motivate individuals to adopt eco-friendly lifestyles?

•     Offer reward programs for recycling. PGC is running campaigns that encourages public to recycle and PGC is rewarding the champions.
•     Run continuous awareness campaigns through schools, media, and community events. Follow PGC social media handles for many exciting campaigns. Get in touch for more information
•     Encourage citizen challenges (e.g. Plastic-Free July, Green Office Challenge, Recycling challenge).
•     Provide easy access to recycling points and repair hubs.
•     Leverage social influence and recognition, e.g. featuring green heroes in local media. PGC has recently run a short campaign on ‘Reusable Heroes’, recognising heroes that takes green initiatives at their work place and OGC has rewarded the winners with some exciting recognitions.

9. What role does education play in building a sustainable future?

•     Instilling environmental awareness from a young age
•     Developing green knowledge and skills
•     Fostering a culture of sustainability