by S BIRRUNTHA / pic by TMR FILE

THE government will introduce the Malaysia Liveability Index, a high-impact measuring tool for all localities in the country.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (picture) said the index implemented by the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) through the role of PlanMalaysia will ensure sustainable town planning.

According to him, the index was designed specifically for local authorities (PBT) by considering all the criteria under the Fourth National Physical Plan (NPP-4). 

He added that the Liveability Index will also be used as a policy instrument towards assessing urban sustainability so that the goals of the NPP-4 based on the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) can be achieved. 

“I am confident that the implementation of the fourth NPP will receive the commitment of all parties, especially the ministries and agencies at the federal and state levels.

“Around the world, liveability has become an important instrument in attracting investment and creating an investor-friendly environment, and this includes last-mile connectivity, access to the internet and public facilities by making the people the main beneficiaries. 

“We hope the aspect of liveability will provide added value to boost the country’s economy,” he said during the celebration of 100 Years of Town Planning Profession in Malaysia (100PBM) in Putrajaya yesterday.

The event was held in conjunction with the national-level World Town Planning Day 2021.

Also present were Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican and his deputy Datuk Seri Dr Ismail Abd Mutalib. 

Commenting further, Ismail Sabri acknowledged town planners as silent heroes who are the starting point of all the country’s physical development, which includes the Structure Plan as well as the Local Plan, as a whole at all levels of government.

He noted that the profession, which has been around for 100 years, has gone through a long evolution and transformation in terms of building the nation.

“On this occasion, I would like to register my appreciation to all town planners whether at the federal, state, local government, public institutes of higher learning, NGOs, or private consultants – either those still serving or have retired. 

“The profession is indeed very significant to the country to ensure an inclusive and strategic implementation of development,” he added.

He hoped that the commitment of the town planning profession will continue to be glorious to create sustainable urban development and inclusiveness that can meet the needs of Malaysian families.

Ismail Sabri also congratulated PlanMalaysia, as the government’s leader, reference expert and advisor for pro-actively implementing various programmes on town planning throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the launch of the NPP-4 is expected to be a strategic rolling plan in realising the aspiration of ‘Liveable Malaysia’.

The Prime Minister said the NPP-4, formulated with three core development thrusts, 11 strategic directions and 39 implementation actions, is a strategic document that outlines the country’s spatial development policy in line with the 12MP.

“All the core development thrusts in the NPP-4 will make Keluarga Malaysia (Malaysian Family) the main beneficiary under the concept of inclusive prosperity. 

“NPP-4 ensures that Malaysia can become a prosperous nation and resilient in terms of economy, environment and social balance for the wellbeing of the Malaysian Family as a whole,” he said.

According to Ismail Sabri, the NPP-4 was approved at the 39th meeting of the National Physical Planning Council which he chaired on Oct 22.

He highlighted that the NPP-4 emphasises national security planning, digital infrastructure enhancement, smart development, carbon-neutral nation, national food security assurance and inclusive and liveable community development.

He also noted that the plan will be reviewed every five years to ensure its suitability in line with the rapid changes in physical, economic, social and natural environment.