KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) — Malaysia is accelerating efforts to transform its cities into smart, sustainable and people-centric spaces through artificial intelligence (AI), said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
Speaking at the City Leaders’ Dinner in conjunction with SmartCity Expo Kuala Lumpur 2025 tonight, Nga said AI is revolutionising how cities are planned, developed and managed, and Malaysia is committed to harnessing the technology as part of its goal to become an AI Nation by 2030.
“As part of this vision, the Housing and Local Government Ministry is working with the Digital Ministry to accelerate AI adoption among local authorities (PBT) through the AI Cities initiative,” he said.
Nga said the initiative would enable intelligent and predictive systems to drive traffic management, public transport, resource allocation and public safety. At the same time, local councils are being equipped with digital tools and training to serve as catalysts for change.
He added that Malaysia’s smart city agenda also prioritises smart housing that is affordable, accessible and sustainable.
Key housing projects such as the Residensi Rakyat Programme (PRR), Rumah Mesra Rakyat (RMR) and Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia (PR1MA) are now being enhanced with eco-friendly designs, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and digital platforms to help residents access services and participate in local governance more easily.
“A house is not just a roof over one’s head, it carries the hopes and dreams of our people. This is why our housing agenda places inclusivity, accessibility, comfort and sustainability at its core,” he said.
Nga also highlighted the ministry’s Smart City Rating Programme, launched in 2023, which supports Malaysia’s AI ambitions. To date, 82 local councils have joined, with more expected to follow.
Sharing insights from a recent visit to Guilin, China, Nga said Malaysia has agreed to pilot smart city command centres in Perak and Penang, focusing on smart infrastructure, digital connectivity, green technology and innovative housing, drawing inspiration from Hangzhou’s City Brain model.
He also announced that Malaysia will host the Southeast Asian edition of the Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), joining a global network of host countries including the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Saudi Arabia and China.
Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif and VCI-Global Chief AI and Data Officer Dr Chan Wai Mun also attended the event.
— BERNAMA
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