Urban sustainability at risk: Why green and blue infrastructure must be preserved

As climate change intensifies, protecting green and blue infrastructure to build sustainable cities has become more urgent than ever. Think City Managing Director Datuk Hamdan Abdul Majeed highlighted the role of nature-based solutions in urban planning.

In a recent interview with Sinar Daily, he discussed the need to restore the natural integrity of hills, rivers and seas while tackling the growing impact of climate adaptation. His insights on prioritising green and blue infrastructure are explored further in a special report on the future of urban sustainability.

SHAH ALAM - The preservation of green and blue infrastructure is crucial for creating vibrant, sustainable cities, says Think City Managing Director Datuk Hamdan Abdul Majeed.

He stressed the need for nature-based solutions, advocating for the restoration of hills, rivers and seas while addressing the pressing challenges of climate adaptation.

"As humans, we are part of creation and we need to ensure that we are integrated and connected with it, rather than seeing ourselves as separate from nature.

"In modern times, the realisation has dawned that we must live with nature, not over it. Climate change, once seen as a distant future concern, is now a present reality, especially as we witness the increasing heat in urban environments,” he said.

Hamdan stated that the environment—including underground infrastructure, rivers, hills and green spaces—requires continuous care and protection.

Urban areas, he explained, are increasingly affected by the urban heat island effect, where concrete structures and road surfaces trap and intensify heat, disrupting weather patterns.

This leads to prolonged droughts, shorter but more intense rainfall and a higher risk of flooding as urban infrastructure struggles to cope.

“We need a more holistic approach to address these challenges,” he said.

Hamdan stressed the need to prioritise green infrastructure by safeguarding hills, green spaces and forests, while also protecting blue infrastructure like rivers and seas.

He said rivers should be integrated into public spaces rather than treated as dumping grounds, fostering a stronger connection with nature.

Citing progress in Klang, he pointed to community efforts in revitalising river corridors to create spaces where people can gather and reconnect with their environment.

He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government and communities, stating that cooperation is key to empowering people and driving urban transformation.

“We want more people to be part of this mission because cities are ultimately shaped by the people who live in them.

“Our goal is to empower, enable and equip individuals to lead change and transformation in their communities,” he said.

Hamdan also addressed the need for inclusive development, particularly in regenerating public housing communities.

He emphasised a pilot programme aimed at transforming these communities, noting that involving people directly in the process could be a game changer.

This initiative, he clarified, aligns with broader efforts to build resilient cities capable of adapting to the growing challenges of climate change, with nature-based solutions playing a central role in the strategy.