By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, May 19 — Selangor has established Malaysia’s first state-level climate governance centre, which is set to strengthen science and data-based responses to the escalating climate crisis.
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the Selangor Climate Adaptation Centre (SCAC) will serve as a research and coordination hub to guide proactive climate policy, planning, and cross-sector collaboration.
“This is the first centre of its kind in Malaysia focused on climate governance at the state level.
[caption id="attachment_401351" align="alignleft" width="398"]
State executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin delivers her speech during the launch of the Selangor Climate Adaptation Centre at the Concorde Hotel in Shah Alam on May 19, 2025. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“Selangor is taking the lead to ensure that we don’t just respond to climate disasters but also anticipate and mitigate them,” she said in her speech during the SCAC’s launch at the Concorde Hotel today, which was graced by the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
Jamaliah added that the SCAC will help align local climate efforts with international standards and make Selangor a model for subnational climate governance in Malaysia.
“Climate change is a shared responsibility. With the SCAC, we hope to create a platform that empowers coordinated action, grounded in science and social equity,” she said.
The centre reflects the state’s commitment to sustainable and resilient development, particularly in the face of worsening rainfall patterns and frequent floods linked to climate change.
The councillor said the SCAC will provide a platform to connect researchers, academic institutions, and government agencies to identify climate threats and propose relevant policy solutions.
It will recommend research topics aligned with Selangor’s climate priorities, helping to streamline academic efforts and ensure evidence-based policymaking.
“Rather than work in silos, we want SCAC to become the focal point where data, science, and government action come together,” Jamaliah said.
A newly formed technical committee, which she heads, will first assess climate-related challenges and evaluate policies.
The Selangor Climate Committee will make the final decisions, which is now chaired by Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
The first Selangor Climate Committee meeting will be held at the end of this month. It will convene every six months to monitor progress, review performance, and ensure cross-department alignment.
Meanwhile, Jamaliah also announced that the State Climate Action Council (IklimSelangor) has been restructured and will meet this month to align mitigation and adaptation strategies under the new climate framework.
Climate action must become a new narrative that goes beyond business as usual, requiring bold and forward-thinking approaches from all levels of society and government.
“Climate action is a new narrative that goes beyond business as usual and demands fresh, bold approaches,” she said.
The Bandar Utama state assemblyman noted that Selangor’s climate efforts are guided by the principles of a fair transition, ensuring that low-carbon policies do not marginalise communities but instead offer equitable opportunities for all.
Jamaliah said the state is also exploring the development of carbon markets, scaling renewable energy, and encouraging environmental, social, governance (ESG) initiatives to attract green investment and support small and medium enterprises.
