MALACCA: Malacca got off to an auspicious start for 2010 with the creation of the Hang Tuah Jaya municipality, which is set to become the state’s new smart city.
Comprising parts of the Melaka Tengah, Alor Gajah and Jasin districts, the municipality covers about 14,460ha and will serve as the state’s new administrative, economic and civic growth centre.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said the creation of Hang Tuah Jaya would cater to the needs of the area’s expanding population.
“It is projected that the area will have an estimated population of 124,200 by this year and grow to 179,000 within a decade.
“We expect Hang Tuah Jaya to become a sustainable smart city with an ideal population by 2039,” he said at the new municipality’s declaration ceremony by Malacca Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob in Ayer Keroh yesterday.
He added that six key strategies would be used to achieve this goal with emphasis on the development and use of ICT and broadband facilities to meet the demand of a progressive multi-racial society.
Hang Tuah Jaya municipal council is to start with a RM30mil allocation from the Housing and Local Government Ministry with a staff strength of some 160 personnel.
At present, 23.2% of the area is used for residential purposes, 53.8% for agriculture, 6.5% for recreation and resorts, 6.1% for educational institutions, 3.7% for industries and 2.2% for commerce.
Also present at the ceremony were ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Ahmad Kabit and newly appointed Hang Tuah Jaya council president Kamarudin Md Shah.
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