Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Perlis listed as Malaysia's happiest cities

KUALA LUMPUR: Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Perlis have been listed by the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) as happiest cities in the country after the districts scored 80 per cent in the 2021 Happiness Index study for cities in Malaysia.

Also scoring the 80 per cent mark were 80 out of 114 local authorities (PBTs) in the peninsula and Sabah that was given based on several aspects, including the quality of their services such as environmental hygiene, solid waste management and rubbish collection.

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, state secretary Datuk Dr Razali Ab Malik said the development of each town in the state was implemented based on their strengths and capabilities as well as three thrusts under the Negeri Sembilan Structure Plan 2045.

"The three thrusts are to develop the districts of Seremban and Port Dickson through Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 to be metropolis cities that are competitive, inclusive and clean.

"Kuala Pilah, Tampin, Rembau and Jempol will be empowered through agropolis development that incorporates agricultural elements and Jelebu as a biodiversity area that emphasises natural resources conservation," he told Bernama.

Elaborating, Razali said there were six main indicators evaluated in order for a place to be recognised as the happiest city.

There were residential coverage percentage within the distance of 400 metres from the facilities provided for the community; broadband coverage rate; reduction of power supply disruption, less water supply disruption cases; the number of public transport terminals and stations; as well as the percentage of homes provided with sewerage services.

He said the state's advantage could be seen through the different roles and functions of each city such as Seremban as the state administrative centre, Port Dickson as a tourist city and Kuala Pilah as a heritage and cultural centre.

Razali said in line with the goal of a becoming a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable state by 2045, the Negeri Sembilan government would continue to give emphasis on efforts to improve healthcare services, eliminate poverty comprehensively, provide quality affordable houses, revive economic activities and encourage active lifestyle among the people.

With a population of 1.2 million, seven districts in Negeri Sembilan earned a full score with Tampin being named among the 10 happiest cities in Malaysia by scoring 99.5 per cent, followed by Jelebu (97.85 per cent), Jempol (89.07 per cent), Kuala Pilah (88.39 per cent), Port Dickson (85.76 per cent), Seremban (83.60 per cent), and Rembau (81.91 per cent).

In MELAKA, the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) which obtained a score of 91.97 per cent, has drawn up various strategies and carried out efforts to improve the quality of public service delivery to ensure that the state continues to achieve its Happy status.

Mayor Datuk Zainal Abu said it included the services offered by PBTs such as providing good infrastructure, responding to complaints promptly as well as implementing beautification projects in the surrounding areas.

"Among the efforts taken are installing street lights in dark areas, repairing the damaged road, carrying out cleaning works and maintenance on the drainage system to ensure the safety, comfort and well-being of the residents.

"We have also introduced various initiatives such as the SPiKTRA - M system for smooth traffic flow using the Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm which is capable of producing Integrated Greenwave Linking system and saving time of up to 300 per cent," he said.

Apart from MBMB, three other PBTs with highest scores were the Alor Gajah Municipal Council (98.17 per cent), the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (89.40 per cent) and the Jasin Municipal Council (85.48 per cent).

In PERLIS, State New Growth Centres Development Committee chairman, Asmaiza Ahmad said with population of more than 254.7 thousands, Perlis has facilities and infrastructure that were on par with other states.

"Apart from that, the proposed Perlis Inland Port (PIP) project will also help support the development of the vicinity surrounding the state," she said, adding that the Kangar Municipal Council recorded a score of 80.02 per cent in the Happiness Index study.

-- BERNAMA