Application of the sponge city concept in Malaysia through international case studies
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Abstract
Flash floods are a significant and recurring issue in Malaysia, particularly during monsoon seasons. Rapid-onset floods, in particular, can cause substantial damage to infrastructure and property while posing risks to human safety. Understanding the causes, impacts and strategies to mitigate flash floods is crucial to developing effective responses and enhancing resilience. For example, proactive measures and comprehensive strategies such as the “sponge city” concept can mitigate the impacts of floods. This study aimed to assess the practice of the sponge city concept in Malaysia based on global best practices and its implementation. To understand the effectiveness and applicability of the sponge city strategy, a comparative study of various international case studies was conducted. This study delved into the strategies and unique approaches implemented in China, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. It is believed that significant progress can be achieved by learning from the experiences of other countries, specifically in addressing these challenges. This helps develop policy frameworks, secure adequate funding, foster public and private sector collaboration, build technical capacity and engage communities. By learning from the experiences of the case studies, Malaysia can enhance its sponge city initiatives to effectively manage stormwater, reduce flooding and improve urban resilience. Moreover, the implementation of a combination of green infrastructure, smart water management technologies, community engagement and supportive policies is the key to the successful transformation of Malaysian cities into resilient and sustainable sponge cities.
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