Melaka

AREA:
1,775 km2 (685 sq mi)
POPULATION:
1,027,500
Malaysia

Melaka State participated in the GEF-6 Global Platform for Sustainable Cities (GPSC), serving as one of the program’s regional models for integrated and evidence-based urban planning. Located along Malaysia’s southwestern coast, Melaka is recognized nationally for its leadership in advancing the “Green City State” vision and promoting low-carbon, resource-efficient growth. Through the GPSC, Melaka conducted a comprehensive Sustainability Outlook Diagnostic to guide the update of its State Structure Plan, assessing performance across six key dimensions of urban sustainability. The initiative strengthened the state’s policy and institutional framework, enhanced data-driven planning, and piloted investments in climate mitigation and green technology. Today, Melaka’s experience continues to inform Malaysia’s national urban policy and stands as a best-practice example across the GPSC network for cities pursuing low-emission, inclusive, and resilient development pathways.

Recent Initiatives

Transit-Oriented Development

Transit-Oriented Development integrates transport planning, land use, and urban design to create compact, connected, and livable cities.

Municipal PPP

Municipal Public-Private Partnerships are long-term collaborations between local governments and private entities to deliver infrastructure and public services.

Gender and Cities

Women and girls face disproportionate climate impacts in cities, making gender equality essential to achieving resilient, inclusive urban development.
Related Content

The Making of Sustainable Cities: GEF-6 Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot (SC-IAP) – Insights and Lessons A decade of lessons from the GEF-6 Sustainable Cities Program and its impact on future urban development.
Knowledge Product

Transforming our cities: a collective path to sustainability The Sustainable Cities Program supports cities with integrated planning, innovation, financing, and partnerships to advance resilient, low‑carbon, and nature‑positive development.
News & Blogs

Once Southeast Asia’s Trading Hub, Melaka Strengthens Urban Planning for a Sustainable Future in Malaysia Melaka’s long history of openness now extends into sustainable development, with its GEF‑supported GPSC project pioneering integrated, low‑carbon urban planning.
News & Blogs

Launch of GPSC’s Melaka Sustainability Outlook Diagnostic: Pathway to Urban Sustainability Melaka’s 2019 sustainability diagnostic, led by GPSC under GEF‑6, assessed urban issues to inform the State Structure Plan.
Events