Mohd Jafni (left) being briefed about the MPKu Smart and Sustainable City initiative.
Johor government aims to have all 16 of its local councils achieve Smart City status by next year, says state executive councilor Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The state housing and local government committee chairman said seven local councils had so far fulfilled the criteria to become Smart Cities.
“There are four Smart City levels, with Level 4 being the highest.
“The Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) has reached Level 2, making it one of only two councils in Malaysia to reach this level so far, with Putrajaya being the first.
“We also have other local councils that have attained Level 1 Smart City status and our aim is to ensure that those that have yet to meet the criteria, will do so by the end of next year.”
He said this after launching the Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) Smart and Sustainable City initiative.
Mohd Jafni said the state government also hoped to see MBJB reach Level 3 by the first quarter of 2026.
“If we achieve this goal, Johor will be the first state in Malaysia where all local councils have Smart City status,” he said, elaborating that local authorities must fulfil about 10 parameters to attain Level 1.
He said MPKu was among the local councils that had reached Level 1 and was now working towards Level 2.
Mohd Jafni said MPKu’s initiative was the first that involved collaboration between a local council and developers.
“Bandar Putra and Indahpura have been designated for the pilot implementation of MPKu’s Smart and Sustainable City initiative.
“This means the developers involved are also responsible in ensuring the success of this initiative,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said that apart from the digitalisation of daily tasks, areas designated for the initiative must also be free of potholes.
“This means that in the future, all agencies will store their documents and carry out their tasks digitally.
“We will also monitor the area’s safety aspects digitally, including ensuring that traffic lights are functioning properly,” he added.
The pilot project covers 2,293ha in Bandar Putra and involves part of Indahpura’s main road.
