Summary
- The Johor government plans to enhance its 'Smart City' technology by introducing early flood warning notifications sent directly to residents' mobile phones via a smart application.
- This initiative aims to promptly communicate urgent weather warnings, allowing residents to take quick action to protect lives and property.
- There is a focus on gathering mobile phone numbers to ensure the widespread dissemination of alerts, similar to the systems in Japan.
- Recent flash floods in Johor Bahru highlighted the need for improvement, as current sirens were insufficiently heard.
The Johor government will enhance its ‘Smart City’ technology to enable city residents to receive early flood warnings during extreme heavy rain that poses a risk of flash floods.
The Public Sector Digitalisation Plan (RPSA) 2026-2030 was launched today to serve as the primary roadmap for digital initiatives across all levels of government, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.
He said the plan, built on five strategic thrusts, 18 strategies, 44 programmes and 44 targets, sets a strategic direction for public sector digital transformation under the theme "Dynamic Entire Government Synergy".
Read more: MY: RPSA 2026-2030 launched as roadmap for public sector digitalisation
Smart city development must go beyond technology and digitalisation, with innovation ultimately serving the needs and well-being of communities, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said genuine urban transformation could only be achieved when technology, policy and human values converge to address the real needs of communities.
Read more: MY: Smart city development must put people first — Nga
The Government Technology (GovTech) agenda should continue to focus on citizens’ experience and proactive service delivery, in line with efforts in making government services easier, faster and more user-friendly.
According to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, the GovTech philosophy places the people at the centre – meaning the government should no longer wait for people to come looking for services, or have them deal with burdensome bureaucracy.
Read more: MY: GovTech must make government services easier, faster, user-friendly, says Sabah CM
Government digital transformation must translate into public services that are more seamless, accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of the people, said Deputy Digital Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong.
He said achieving this required a combination of innovation, technology and human collaboration, rather than relying solely on technology.
Read more: MY: Digital transformation must deliver better public services, says deputy minister