IRDA to establish framework to ensure Iskandar Malaysia sustainability

The Iskandar Region Development Authority (IRDA) believes now is the right time for it to establish a framework to ensure sustainability of Iskandar Malaysia as an economic region, its Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said today.

He said sustainable community and living in Iskandar Malaysia should offer balanced economic growth with societal welfare and optimal utilisation of natural resources while preserving the environment for the future generation.

"This framework must be supportive of the aspirations of the Iskandar Malaysia population and stakeholders, while taking inspiration from the experiences of our international friends in implementing sustainability projects in their respective countries or fields of expertise," he said.

Ismail said this in his welcoming remarks at the Iskandar Malaysia Sustainability Summit (ISS) 2012 here officiated by the Science Advisor to the Prime Minister Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid.

The ISS 2012 serves as a flagship event for IRDA's initiative to prepare a solid framework to develop the Iskandar Malaysia economic corridor as a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing.

Ismail said they were honoured when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced his endorsement in May that Iskandar Malaysia would be the Malaysian model for a "Smart City".

In moving towards becoming a "Smart City," IRDA aims to transform the people's living standards through sustainable economic and technology ecosystem and inclusive socio-economic growth, he said.

He said IRDA was also working closely with the Japan International Cooperation Agency and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia on initiatives to reduce and mitigate carbon emissions at Iskandar Malaysia.

"The initiatives should contribute to the creation of a higher quality of life in this economic corridor," he added.

The summit was jointly hosted by IRDA and the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).