Start planning now to meet extreme weather, urban planners told

Urban planners have been urged to begin preparing for extreme weather conditions, according to a former senior director from Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority. Larry Ng emphasized that cities must consider each locality's unique needs and circumstances when designing urban spaces. He advocated for closed-loop systems that recycle resources and waste, tailored to each city's specific circumstances.

Ng stressed the importance of starting planning initiatives now to address the anticipated impacts of rising temperatures and sea levels, which could last for decades. Good planning, he stated, involves anticipating risks rather than reacting to them. For instance, a building, road, or drainage system constructed today may remain in use for 50 or 100 years, making early planning critical.

Ng advocated for a more integrated approach to urban planning and design, urging coordination among various sectors to avoid fragmented decisions that could hinder long-term benefits. He highlighted the need for Malaysia to shift its urban planning framework from a regulatory to an innovative approach, emphasizing the importance of engaging the public and setting priorities based on each city's specific needs.