Housing Ministry: 88 local authorities recognised under Malaysia’s smart city programme since 2023

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said smart city initiatives should improve everyday life by making public services more efficient and urban environments more sustainable. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 12:20 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 28 — A total of 88 local authorities (PBTs) nationwide have received recognition under the Malaysia Smart City Rating since its introduction in 2023.

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), in a statement today, said the achievement reflected progress in implementing the national smart city agenda to improve service delivery efficiency, urban sustainability and public well-being through technology and innovation.

“This recognition reflects the progress made by local authorities in adopting a smart city approach based on established indicators, while encouraging continuous improvements in management and service delivery to the public,” the ministry said.

The ministry said 28 local authorities had been approved to receive new recognition this year based on the Malaysia Standard (MS) ISO 37122:2019, Sustainable Cities and Communities – Indicators for Smart Cities.

Of these, one local authority achieved Level 3: Leading Smart City; nine achieved Level 2: Developing Smart City; and 18 achieved Level 1: Smart City Early Adopter.

KPKT said the development was confirmed at the 2026 National Smart City Council (MBPN) meeting chaired by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming yesterday.

The statement also said the awards would be presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on November 4 in conjunction with the 2026 World Town Planning Day celebration at the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Civic Hall Auditorium.

Meanwhile, KPKT has expanded the smart city rating approach to the private sector since 2025 through the Smart Township rating to encourage the development of smarter, more sustainable and liveable townships.

The ministry said 12 applications were received from private developers this year, with eight townships meeting the established rating criteria.

Of these, one township received a Platinum rating, four Gold and three Silver.

“The involvement of the private sector is important in complementing the government’s efforts to comprehensively implement smart city principles, including in township development and the management of facilities and services for residents,” it said.

Meanwhile, Nga, in the same statement, said the smart city rating was an important instrument to encourage local authorities to enhance their capabilities, strengthen governance and adopt technology in delivering services to the public.

“Smart cities are not merely about the use of technology, but how technology can be harnessed to make daily affairs easier for the people, improve service efficiency and create a safer, more sustainable and comfortable urban environment.

“KPKT will continue to strengthen the smart city agenda through close cooperation between the federal government, state governments, local authorities and the private sector to ensure that urban development benefits the people, in line with Malaysia’s aspiration to become a Smart Nation by 2040,” he said. — Bernama