LOCAL authorities are advised to conduct early planning consultations with town planners to save public funds and spot major development risks upfront.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said professional firmness at the early stage could prevent significant rectification costs down the line.
Town planners, he said, were at the forefront of national development.
“It is at this stage that policies are translated into land use, site suitability is assessed, and the needs of the people are aligned with the capacity of each area.
“Town planners play a vital role in ensuring development proposals are comprehensively assessed in accordance with prevailing policies, legislation, development plans and applicable guidelines,” Shamsul Azri said in his speech during the opening of National Planning Congress 2026 and Malaysia Institute of Planners (MIP) MyCity Expo 2026 at Petaling Jaya Civic Centre in Selangor.
His speech was delivered by Housing and Local Government Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr M. Noor Azman Taib.
Shamsul Azri said with climate change, rising fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, population growth and an ageing population, planning needs must continually evolve to address emerging challenges.
“Flood risks, urban heat and impact of development on all forms of resources should influence decisions on the location and intensity of developments.”
He called for follow-up mechanisms to safeguard environmentally sensitive areas, green infrastructure and water management systems.
“For existing areas, intervention priorities should be determined based on the level of risk and vulnerability of the population.
“Public participation must take place at a stage when people’s views can influence planning decisions.
Shamsul Azri also said public feedback on the adequacy of facilities, safety concerns, and difficulties encountered during their journeys could help identify needs that might not be reflected in technical data.
“Proper planning with public involvement is essential to address potential future challenges.”
He cited Budget 2027 as an example of the Government’s efforts to strengthen the role of local authorities and improve the quality of the urban environment, with allocations for small-scale projects within local authorities increased to nearly RM700mil.
The allocation covers upgrading of parks, public toilets and hawker stalls, including the construction of Madani stalls, as well as redevelopment of hawker complexes and public markets.
The government will also provide a 50% rental discount throughout 2027 to over 10,000 small-scale traders renting premises owned by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
In addition, rental rates for festive season bazaars will be set as low as RM400, added Shamsul Azri.
Meanwhile, MIP president Mazrina Abdul Khalid said the congress was held in conjunction with World Town Planning Day, with Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) as co-organiser and Petaling Jaya as host city.
The congress themed “Our Cities, Our Future: Planning Better Cities for a Better Tomorrow” was highly relevant to Malaysia’s needs, she said.
“Decisions made today regarding land use, housing, transportation and public amenities will shape how future generations live and work.
“From MIP’s perspective, urban planners need to bridge the gap between policy and on-the-ground decisions through reliable data, professional judgement and early community engagement.
“Every proposal should be accompanied by clear action priorities, designated responsible parties, funding requirements and measurable outcomes,” said Mazrina.
The congress serves as a platform for continuous learning, bringing together practitioners, researchers, government administrators, communities and industry stakeholders to discuss how these initiatives can be effectively implemented.
Pocket talk sessions were also held, providing exhibitors and interested participants opportunities to share experiences, introduce initiatives and exchange ideas with visitors.
