Sustainable and resilient cities cannot be left to be built by a single ministry, agency or local authority, said Housing and Local Government Minister (KPKT) Nga Kor Ming.
Calling for a whole-of-government approach and strong synergy across all sectors to tackle the challenges of urbanisation and climate change, Nga said it was important to institutionalise city-to-city knowledge exchange so that lessons, toolkits and proven solutions can be adopted nationwide.
Read more: MY: Whole-of-government approach needed in shaping sustainable cities, says Nga
The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is advancing its Smart City development and sustainable development urban management through a range of various initiatives.
Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said that MBKS’s projects, including the ESG Smart Pole Project, AI-enabled surveillance systems, iPeople digital engagement platform, iBuyBack recycling app, and Smart Traffic Management System ― demonstrate the council’s shift toward a data-driven and people-centred governance model.
The government will intensify efforts to promote green buildings, smart cities, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) adoption in Malaysia's property and facility management sectors, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Speaking at the RICS-MIPFM International Property Conference 2025, Nga said his ministry is working on policies to support sustainable urban development and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
Read more: MY: Govt steps up push for green buildings, smart cities, and ESG in property sector
A total of 75 local authorities (PBTs) nationwide have received the Malaysia Smart City 2025 rating, in line with the government's aspirations to realise the Smart Nation vision by 2040.
Deputy Minister of Housing and Local Government Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the recognition was based on smart city indicators under the Malaysia Standard (MS) ISO 37122:2019, namely sustainable cities and communities-indicators for smart cities, which outline 85 main indicators as the basis of the rating.
Read more: 75 Local Authorities Earn Malaysia Smart City Rating - Aiman Athirah
A total of 39 out of 156 local authorities across the country have begun transitioning towards smart city development, in an effort to close the infrastructure and facilities gap between cities and smaller urban areas.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming explained that the figure refers to local authorities applying for Level 1 – Smart City Early Adopter status under the national smart city rating programme.
Of the 39, one is a city hall, 22 are municipal councils, and 16 are district councils.
Read more: MY: Nga: 39 local authorities start transition to smart city development