Local councils play a key role in ensuring the state’s progress and transformation efforts, with four major councils leading the way under the Greater Johor Baru initiative.
The four councils which play a crucial role in shaping the region’s future are Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) and Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu).
Through innovative technologies, strategic investments and sustainability-driven policies, these councils are setting new benchmarks for urban living.
MBJB mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad reaffirmed the city’s commitment to becoming a leading smart city, a vision set by the Johor Menteri Besar.
“With the completion of 500 AI-powered CCTV installations in 2024, we are now integrating several systems into the Johor Baru Integrated Operations Command Centre (JBIOCC), including a geographic information system, flood monitoring and a complaints system,” he said.
“Once completed, this system will enhance monitoring and response times, making the city more efficient.”
In preparation for the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link service launching in 2027, MBJB is enhancing public transportation infrastructure to address anticipated parking shortages in the city centre.
“If we do not provide adequate facilities, commuters may overcrowd the Johor Baru City Centre before using the RTS,” Mohd Haffiz explained.
“That’s why we introduced the JB Smart Bus Stop project, integrating digital features and a mobile application to improve the commuting experience.”
He added that MBJB has allocated RM1.2mil to upgrade bus stops with smart elements such as digital information boards, Wi-Fi and smart poles.
The council is also pushing for greater digitalisation in government services through the Johor Fastlane initiative.
“Our goal is to speed up application processing and enable digital transactions, allowing residents to manage business matters from their own premises,” Mohd Haffiz added.
Recognising the need for sustainability, MBJB has formed nine committees to oversee Sustainable Development Goals initiatives.
“We aim to instil a sense of responsibility among residents to live sustainably, recycle and stop littering.
“Every year, we spend millions cleaning up rivers and beaches, collecting around 60 tonnes of waste monthly. This must change and we need the public to stand with us,” he said.
Meanwhile, MBIP mayor Ahmad Nazir Mohd Nasir highlighted the city’s pioneering role in climate action.
“Through the Iskandar Puteri Climate Action Plan (Ipcap) 2030 and the Iskandar Puteri Low Carbon Community (IPRK) platform, we are aligning with global sustainability standards while mobilising the community,” he said.
He added that since 2015, Iskandar Puteri has been implementing its Low Carbon Society Action Plan, targeting a 44% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by focusing on waste management, transportation, residential and industrial sectors.
“With Ipcap 2030, we aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions intensity by 63% by 2030 and achieve net-zero by 2050,” Ahmad Nazir said.
“This plan prioritises energy, transport and waste management while addressing climate adaptation needs such as flood prevention and heatwave mitigation.”
Key projects include the Green Building Index-certified MBIP headquarters, the Low Carbon Zone in Sunway City Iskandar Puteri and the Net Zero Carbon CBD in Medini.
“We are expanding electric vehicle (EV) adoption, installing solar-powered streetlights and promoting cycling lanes to encourage green mobility,” he said.
Education also plays a central role, with MBIP supporting environmental awareness programmes such as the Iskandar Malaysia Ecolife Challenge (Imelc).
“By involving schools and local communities, we ensure that sustainability efforts are passed on to future generations,” Ahmad Nazir added.
MBPG mayor Datuk Mustaffa Kamal Shamsudin underscored the city’s commitment to becoming a prosperous, smart and low-carbon urban centre.
“Our focus is on providing high-quality infrastructure, maintaining cleanliness and ensuring public safety.
“We are enhancing road infrastructure, upgrading public spaces and rolling out digital initiatives for a more efficient administration,” he said.
MBPG has installed 340 CCTV cameras across the city to enhance security and traffic monitoring.
“These CCTVs are integrated into our command centre, ensuring real-time monitoring and quick response to incidents,” Mustaffa Kamal added.
To promote sustainability, MBPG has launched large-scale tree-planting projects, renewable energy initiatives and waste reduction campaigns.
“Through extensive recycling programmes and community education, we hope to instil a culture of environmental responsibility.
“Achieving a low-carbon city requires collective effort, and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to make Pasir Gudang a model for sustainability,” he added.
Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) president Mohd Hafiz Aliman highlighted the economic boost brought by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
“Since 2022, investments worth RM52bil have been approved through the Kulai Fast Lane initiative.
“With the introduction of Johor Super Lane, we aim to attract even more investors to Johor and Kulai,” he said.
To develop a smart and sustainable urban environment, MPKu is implementing digital initiatives such as smart traffic lights, smart street lighting as well as an integrated command centre.
“We have launched pilot projects in Bandar Putra and Indahpura, incorporating smart bins, digital licensing systems and IoT-driven monitoring,” Mohd Hafiz stated.
Kulai is also home to South-East Asia’s largest fast-charging EV hub, with 500 charging stations installed at Johor Premium Outlets.
“This supports the transition to electric mobility and aligns with future urban transportation trends,” he added.
Additionally, MPKu is developing a Digital Twin system for real-time urban planning and infrastructure monitoring.
“With partnerships across multiple agencies, we are ensuring that data-driven decision-making shapes the city’s future.
“Through strategic planning and strong collaboration, we are confident that Kulai will emerge as a leading smart city in Johor,” Mohd Hafiz added.
The efforts of the four councils under the Greater Johor Baru initiative showcase a comprehensive approach to urban development, sustainability and smart city advancements.
From AI-driven monitoring in Johor Baru to climate action in Iskandar Puteri, public welfare in Pasir Gudang and smart infrastructure in Kulai, these local councils are setting the stage for a modern, resilient and future-ready Johor.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Remar Nordin
Quelle/Source: The Star, 23.05.2025
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