Siena:The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) announced that technical assessments and inspections of outdated utilities in areas prone to sinkholes must be conducted prior to granting development approvals by local authorities. This decision was made during the 51st National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, KPKT emphasized the importance of this approach to ensure public safety and address geological risks at the early stages of development planning. The meeting also encouraged state governments to enhance the quality of public open spaces and expedite the gazettement process, aimed at providing safe and comfortable recreational areas, thereby promoting healthy lifestyles and community interaction.
The council approved the Fifth National Physical Plan (RFN5) and the Third National Urbanisation Policy (DPN3) as strategic frameworks for Malaysia's physical and urban development. RFN5, the nation's top spatial planning document, extends to Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Labuan until 2040, focusing on sustainable land use, natural resource conservation, and resilience against climate challenges.
Key targets of RFN5 include the implementation of smart cities across 115 local authorities, maintaining a minimum of 50 percent forest coverage, and allocating 1.6 million hectares of potential land for economic development. Meanwhile, DPN3 guides urban development until 2035, covering 203 cities under 101 local authorities in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, ensuring structured, inclusive, and sustainable urban growth.
The MPFN also reviewed the Draft Putrajaya Structure Plan 2050, which outlines developmental goals for the national administrative center, targeting a population of 305,000, the provision of 83,438 housing units, carbon-neutral status, and AI-driven urban management.
Furthermore, the Perlis State Structure Plan 2040 was agreed upon, detailing development strategies such as the Perlis Inland Port, the Chuping Valley Industrial Area, and enhancements to the state's granary areas. The council's decisions underscore the government's commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development, aligning with Malaysia MADANI aspirations.