The federal government through The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has developed a Smart City framework for Malaysia, said KPKT deputy minister, Datuk Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah Raja Ahmad Baharuddin Shah.

He said the framework consists of policies, directions, strategies, initiatives and action plans and will serve as a reference and guideline to cities, agencies and stakeholders in developing and implementing practical and sustainable solutions in addressing urban challenges.

“The government believes that Smart City is the next generation approach to urban management in order to provide solutions to urban challenges and essentially improve the people's quality of life.

"At the same time, as the world today moves towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution, new development trends such as Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud Computing and Big Data have become significant and hence, it is timely that we look into Smart Cities as the most appropriate way to resolve urban problems,” he said in his keynote speech at Perak Startup Festival 2019 in conjunction with the Perak International Expo (PIEX 2019) here, today.

The text of his speech was read out by Divisional Secretary, Policy and Inspectorate Division KPKT, Dr Siti Muhaza Sheikh Zainal.

Raja Kamarul Bahrin Shah added the framework will enable cities and stakeholders to address urbanisation issues through smart cities initiatives and improve the wellbeing and quality of life.

He said it also helped that the framework would be the catalyst to spur more involvement and participation by all level of players including entrepreneurs and start ups.

“These groups should be able to become one of the sources that would address urban challenges.

"Notwithstanding, the ministry has also formed a Smart City Expert Committee comprising Subject Matter Experts who will act as advisors or consultants and assist the Local Governments in implementing smart cities initiatives,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the government encourages the local industries including start ups and entrepreneurs to work together, in implementing Smart City initiatives at the various levels.

“The efforts by all will create a progressive economy towards realising the Shared Prosperity Vision," he said.