Facing the climate crisis: UiTM Pulau Pinang branch translates flood early warning into sustainable community action at Kampung Labuh Banting

Climate change is no longer merely an academic concern but a pressing reality that continues to challenge local communities. Kampung Labuh Banting is particularly vulnerable due to its strategic location within a critical hydrological zone. Although previous flood mitigation projects have significantly reduced the occurrence of major floods, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events driven by global warming continues to pose new risks. Located downstream of Sungai Kulim, Kampung Labuh Banting experiences rapid increases in water levels whenever heavy rainfall occurs in the upstream catchment. Floodwaters often carry large volumes of floating debris, including logs and organic waste. The situation becomes more critical when high flows from Sungai Perai coincide with sudden water discharge from Sungai Kulim. Rising global sea levels have also intensified tidal surges in Sungai Perai, creating a severe backwater effect that worsens flooding in residential areas and surrounding paddy fields. The combination of climate change impacts and complex hydrological conditions places the village in a high-risk zone, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive community adaptation strategies.