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- Director-General of the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, Datuk TPr Dr Alias Rameli, said Malaysia is intensifying efforts to advance smart and sustainable urban development through the comprehensive Smart City rollout plan which extends up to 2040.
PUTRAJAYA (Oct 12): The soft launch of the National Planning Congress (NPC) 2025 was held here in Putrajaya today, signalling the lead-up to Malaysia’s premier urban planning event. Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP), it aims to promote dialogue and innovation in sustainable urban development ahead of its main event from Oct 28 to 31.
During a press conference, Director-General of the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, Datuk TPr Dr Alias Rameli, said Malaysia is intensifying efforts to advance smart and sustainable urban development through the comprehensive Smart City rollout plan which extends up to 2040.
When asked about the nation’s Smart City strategy, Alias told EdgeProp.my the initiative covers seven key categories, including smart mobility, smart governance, and smart people—each aimed at enhancing urban management and improving citizens’ quality of life. He noted that a national Smart City framework has been formulated, supported by a dedicated publication and action plans from 150 local governments to ensure consistent implementation across the country.
Adding to that, MIP president TPr Hajah Mazrina Datuk Abdul Khalid said the evolution of smart cities must align with the rapid pace of urbanisation, noting that Malaysia is currently 75% urbanised while Singapore has reached full urbanisation.
She stressed the importance of ensuring inclusivity in urban planning, where essential amenities such as mosques, police stations, and schools are located within a 10 to 15-minute walking distance.
This, she said, would not only enhance convenience but also improve the quality of life for urban residents.
“As Malaysia reaches 75% urbanisation, our smart city planning must keep pace—ensuring inclusive access to essentials like mosques, police stations, and schools within a 10 to 15-minute walk.
It's about more than convenience; it's about enhancing quality of life," added Mazrina.
Putrajaya Corporation’s vice-president (Urban Planning), Datin TPr Salmah Hj Salman said that they aim for Putrajaya to become a visionary smart city by 2030.
She cited Putrajaya’s existing strengths as a green and technologically advanced urban centre, and reaffirmed the city’s strong commitment to sustainability, including efforts aligned with achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
“Our vision is for Putrajaya to become a model smart city by 2030," she said. "With its strong foundation as a green and tech-forward city, we're committed to advancing sustainability and aligning our efforts with all 17 Sustainable Development Goals,” Salmah added.
Alias cited Malaysia’s growing international recognition in this field, noting that the country recently received a special award in Shanghai for its progress in smart city governance and innovation. He said the national Smart City agenda aligns with international standards, featuring 85 indicators across 19 parameters, and that Malaysia has refined these benchmarks with additional local indicators to better reflect domestic priorities.
To support implementation, PLANMalaysia has introduced guidelines and coordination mechanisms to ensure uniformity among local authorities. Funding has also been allocated, including RM400,000 for local governance initiatives, RM800,000 for developmental programmes, and RM1.4 million for leadership and innovation at the municipal level. Alias emphasised that beyond technology, the focus is on fostering a smart culture and behavioural transformation within communities—enabling cities to operate more efficiently and meet the real needs of their residents.
These initiatives will culminate in the upcoming NPC 2025, which will feature a range of programmes including the MyCity Expo 2025, Young Planners’ Forum, and Student Placemaking Workshop, along with technical visits and policy dialogues with regional leaders.
Attending the event will be Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof and Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Underscoring Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, Alias reaffirmed that the Smart City agenda and NPC 2025 reflect the government’s aspirations under Malaysia MADANI and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
The NPC 2025 aims not only to celebrate achievements in the field of urban planning but also to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional leader in sustainable, smart, and people-oriented city development.
EdgeProp is the official media partner for NPC 2025.
As Penang girds itself towards the last lap of its Penang2030 vision, check out how the residential segment is keeping pace in EdgeProp’s special report: PENANG Investing Towards 2030.
