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.
"Although the development levels between district councils, municipal councils, and city councils differ, the government's principle is that no one is marginalised or left behind," he said at a press conference after officiating the 8th Asean Smart Cities Network (ASCN8) Annual Meeting at the Shangri-La Hotel here today.
Nga said Malaysia's smart city policy is based on data-driven and inclusive approaches, aimed at closing development gaps between primary cities and tier-two or tier-three towns.
"Kuala Lumpur is important, of course, but cities like Kuching, Ipoh, and Taiping must not be forgotten. We need a balanced development network.
"That's why the plan is being implemented in phases, starting with pilot cities, then expanding to developing urban areas, before eventually reaching full smart city status," he added.
Separately, he said the Housing and Local Government Ministry, in collaboration with the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Congestion, is working to upgrade bus stops and pedestrian walkways in these areas.
"I envision that by 2027, once the project is fully completed, bus stops will be equipped with smart poles that also function as telecommunication hubs," he said.
"These upgraded bus stops will also feature LED information screens to keep the public informed while they wait for their buses," he added.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Nurhanim Osman
Dieser Artikel ist neu veröffentlicht von / This article is republished from: New Straits Times, 09.11.2025
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