Malaysia: The Urban Heat Island phenomenon and its impacts on vulnerable groups

In this series of video interviews, authors present their case studies that IAP recently published in collaboration with Save the Children in 'Climate Change and Health: Science-based Policy Solutions'.

Malaysia faces increasing challenges from the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon, impacting public health and necessitating targeted interventions to mitigate risks effectively.

Norzikri Mohd Kamaruddin, a lead researcher in the project, spearheaded a study shedding light on the critical impact of the UHI phenomenon on public health in Malaysia. His research underscores the growing challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly children, the elderly and women in low-income households, amidst rising temperatures. The study's findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted interventions and resilience strategies to effectively mitigate UHI-related health risks.

Watch the full interview with Norzikri Mohd Kamaruddin to learn more about his impactful work:

Key Insights:

UHI-Health Risks: Temperature logging in various Malaysian cities revealed alarming indoor and outdoor heat levels, posing significant health risks, particularly to children, the elderly and low-income households.

Development of UHI Mitigation Strategies: Collaboratively developed with local stakeholders, the study assesses and mitigates UHI-related vulnerabilities in Malaysian communities, emphasizing localized interventions such as green roofing, urban forests and reflective building materials.

National Guidelines: Driven by Kamaruddin’s research, Malaysia has initiated efforts to integrate UHI mitigation into its urban planning policies, providing comprehensive protocols for urban planners and healthcare providers to address heat-related illnesses.

Impact and Future Goals: Kamaruddin’s research underscores the critical need for proactive UHI-health strategies amidst escalating climate challenges. The initiative not only enhances public awareness but also empowers communities with practical tools to combat UHI-related risks effectively.

Read and download the case study here.
Read and download the entire book here.

Stay tuned for more video interviews from the authors of the IAP Climate Change & Health case studies. Follow us with the hashtag #ClimateHealthSolutions to stay updated on the latest insights and developments.

Watch all the video interviews on the IAP YouTube channel here.

For more information on the project, read here.