PUTRAJAYA: A new "smart rural" initiative has been launched to integrate spatial data and enhance rural planning development under the Malaysia Madani framework, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said efforts are underway to explore the "smart rural" concept with PLANMalaysia launching the System of Spatial Characteristics of Rural Malaysia (S-Charms).
Nga said that this web-based system has been initiated under the National Rural Physical Planning Policy 2030 and integrates spatial data from PLANMalaysia’s I-Plan and the National Village Profile System (SPKPN) to enhance rural planning and development.
"S-Charms is the first system established in the country providing rural spatial information including village categories, profiles, boundaries, public amenities, and other land use components.
"It aims to enhance rural landscapes by providing related information and data to facilitate decision-making process, improve resource allocation, predict future trends and promote civic engagements," he said
Nga said this in his opening speech at the National Symposium on Rural Planning and Development 2024 at Damar Sari Hall here today (Aug 8).
Also present was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who officiated the event.
Nga then added that some of the core functions of S-Charms are interactive mapping, rural planning, and decision support analysis as well as updating of rural information.
"Currently, S-Charms holds data for 19,474 villages and it is accessible to the public and all agencies locally, regionally and nationally," added the minister.
Through the initiative, he said the government realised that advancing rural planning and development requires strengthening intra-agency cooperation.
"We need to engage in discussions, share best practices and collaborate to find innovative solutions for urban-rural challenges," he said.
He added that in 2023, 75.5% of Malaysians lived in cities and the figure is expected to rise to 85% by 2040.
"Meeting the growing demand for housing, infrastructure and recreational spaces in urban areas is a huge challenge. At the ministry, our priority is to put the people's interest first and will continue to improve the living conditions for all," said Nga.
