The newly completed Lengkok Nipah Neighbourhood Park in Taman Lip Sin, Bayan Lepas could serve as a model for climate-responsive and senior-friendly urban parks in Penang and across Malaysia, according to state executive councillor for Infrastructure, Transport and Digital, Zairil Khir Johari.

Speaking at the park’s official opening on Sunday, Zairil said the project demonstrates how underutilised urban spaces can be transformed into inclusive recreational areas that respond to environmental challenges. The site was previously used as an informal parking area for unused vehicles and storage containers before being redeveloped into a public green space.

Zairil, who is also the Tanjong Bunga assemblyman, expressed hope that the success of the project would encourage similar initiatives to upgrade vacant urban spaces into quality recreational areas for communities.

“George Town needs more efforts to convert open spaces into green corridors to address rising temperatures and the urban heat island effect,” he said.

The project forms part of the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP), a collaborative initiative involving the World Bank Adaptation Fund, UN-Habitat, the Penang state government, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), and Think City.

According to Zairil, the programme focuses on climate adaptation through nature-based solutions rather than solely mitigation measures, marking a shift in urban planning towards resilience and science-based approaches.

Meanwhile, MBPP mayor Dato’ Ir. A. Rajendran said the park upgrading project began on 6 January 2025 and was completed on 5 September 2025.

The project cost approximately RM713,000 and covers an area of 3,365 square metres (about 0.9 acres). Around 66.5% of the area is dedicated to green space, while 33.5% consists of paved surfaces, reflecting efforts to reduce impermeable surfaces and improve ecological functions such as rainwater absorption and microclimate cooling.