PETALING JAYA: All local authorities are encouraged to submit applications for smart city initiatives.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry would oversee the progress of the initiatives following a RM15.1 million allocation in the 2025 Budget.
"For example, they can implement artificial intelligence-based traffic light systems to reduce congestion, incorporate the Green Building Index, install solar panels for renewable energy and transform retention ponds into public recreational parks.
"All these initiatives are open for applications and the ministry will monitor the progress," he said after the 2024 Local Authorities Convention here today.
Nga added that Malaysia was on the right track and highlighted Kuala Lumpur's 16-spot climb to 73rd in the World Smart City Index.
However, he said, Malaysia still had a long way to go compared with cities like Zurich in Switzerland, which ranked first; Oslo in Norway, ranked second; and, Singapore, ranked fifth.
"There is much more to be done, but we need to ensure that, slowly but surely, we are progressing towards becoming a smart city.
"In any smart city initiative, people's wellbeing is the ministry's top priority. Nothing is more important than the welfare of our citizens.
"In terms of technology and innovation, I believe that humanity comes above all. We aim to create inclusive and sustainable cities for all."
On Kuala Lumpur's target for next year's World Smart City Index, Nga said he would meet Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif to discuss improvements and ensure the city remained on track.
"We have also received interest from London, 'The Economist', the renowned magazine, which is prepared to collaborate with Malaysia to explore how we can position Kuala Lumpur and other cities on the world stage. This is an important step forward."