National Physical Plan to ensure nation remains economically resilient, says PM

PUTRAJAYA: The National Physical Plan will ensure the nation remains economically resilient, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic).

The Prime Minister said that the plan is the fourth such document and added that it has been drawn up to be in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan.

"With the National Physical Plan in place, we can see to it that there is a balance between the need for development, resilience of the environment, the well-being of the people and the country's prosperity," he said at the launching of the Plan on Wednesday (Nov 17).

He said that with the Plan in place, Malaysia's global commitments such as the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals are met.

Ismail Sabri added that the Plan will help realise the government's aspirations for a Liveable Malaysia, where everyone will be the main beneficiary of the country's prosperity and inclusivity.

He said that to further boost economic growth, the Malaysia Liveability Index will be introduced.

"The Index will be the instrument to gauge if urban sustainability targets planned under the 12th Malaysia Plan are achieved or otherwise," he said.

Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said that urban planning must now be "pandemic-resilient".

"In the post-pandemic era, urban planning must take disaster risk management into account. This should be a priority for housing and public spaces," he said.