By late morning, Rumah Pangsa Pantai Peringgit (RPPP) is already piping hot. With very few trees tall enough to cast shade, every housing block and walkways absorb direct sunlight, making it unbearable to live in.

As Malacca grapples with rising temperatures and the pressures of urban living, residents of this low-cost flat complex have been living with the impacts for years.

Now, instead of being treated as passive recipients of aid, they are actively involved in helping shape a response.

Facilitated by the Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities) and the Malacca Historic City Council (MBMB), residents of RPPP are co-designing a heat mitigation initiative centred on...