Cities are the world’s economic engines. Also its biggest polluters. Globally, urban areas account for more than 70% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The rural-urban migration remains high. No sign of the phenomenon slowing. In Malaysia, our cities, from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru and Penang, are rapidly growing in both size and carbon footprint. Managing this growth sustainably is one of the defining challenges of our time. Recognising this, Malaysia launched the Smart City Framework in 2019. It was an ambitious blueprint outlining how technology, sustainability, and inclusive design could transform urban living and help address the climate crisis. Yet five years on, progress has been sluggish. Pilot projects appear sporadically, and the national momentum has remained lethargic.
Read more: Malaysia’s Smart City Dream Is A Sustainability Challenge
Malaysia must urgently prepare for a fast-evolving digital future powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven technologies.
Speaking at the launch of the National Cloud Computing Policy (NCCP) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur this morning, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the policy was a “critical enabler” of the nation’s ambition to become a regional technology leader.
Read more: Newly launched National Cloud Computing Policy to drive Malaysia’s digital transformation
The implementation of digital smart parking systems in several districts in the state resulted in easier parking payment facilities for the people and improved revenue collection for local councils.
Local authorities said the system had also reduced the workload of enforcement officers.
Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu), for instance, recorded a 200 per cent surge in parking revenue since introducing the Parkmax@Johor digital payment system last August, without spending a single sen in implementation costs.
The Malaysian government is moving ahead with digital transformation under its newly unveiled 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), a key pillar being the flagship MyDigital ID.
Malaysia is targeting 95 percent of all federal government services to be delivered fully online by 2030, and the creation of a single government service window with access exclusively enabled by MyDigital ID.
Read more: Malaysia to build single govt window with MyDigital ID under 13MP plan
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has been recognised as an Early Adopter under Malaysia’s Smart and Sustainable City Framework, affirming its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.
Addressing the 37th Kuching City Day celebration at Pangkalan Sapi today, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng called it a proud recognition of the Council’s transformative journey from a quaint riverside town to a global model for liveable, sustainable urban development.
Read more: MBKS recognised as early adopter of Malaysia’s Smart and Sustainable City Framework