KUALA LUMPUR: The government may turn to digital solutions to help convert cities here into smart cities – which is among the main thrusts of the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), said Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
“We envision smart cities that are integrated with sustainable technologies such as 5G connectivity, cashless communities, autonomous public transport, drone delivery, energy-efficient buildings, and the smart treatment of water and waste management.
“This will not only improve public safety but also the people’s quality of life,” he said in his speech that was recorded and played during the opening of Cities 4.0: The Launch of Malaysia’s Smart Cities Framework here today.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin was also present.
Dr Mahathir said the government wanted to develop a functional, resilient and efficient mobility system for the prosperity and wellbeing of the people.
Although the smart city concept has existed for nearly 30 years, he noted that the key issue hindering the development of smart cities in the country was because many smart city players worked in silos.
“In this context, the Housing and Local Government Ministry has prepared the Malaysia Smart City Framework.
“This comprehensive framework comprises all three tiers of government, as well as private sector participation to streamline and coordinate smart cities development in Malaysia.
“This is also to ensure a more informed guidelines and decision making process by the government, which takes consideration of views from all relevant stakeholders,” said Dr Mahathir.
Among issues the government wanted to address with the implementation of the Smart City initiatives, he said, included public transportation, one of the major concerns among the people.
He said the government was fully supportive in laying the foundation to build smart cities.
This, he said, was reflected in the government’s recent launching of the Kembara Digital Programme, where Malaysians are set to enjoy high quality and affordable digital connectivity.
“Leveraging on the National Fiberisation and Connectivity Plan, I aspire to see smart cities grow efficiently to become smart regions.”
