PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysia Happiness Index for 2025 has increased by 5.5 points from five years ago, rising from 83.34% in 2020 to 88.84% this year, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the happiest district councils were Lipis and Cameron Highlands in Pahang, followed by Kuala Krai in Kelantan.
The remaining districts were Bandar Baharu (Kedah), Kuala Pilah (Negri Sembilan), Jerantut (Pahang), Jelebu (Negri Sembilan) and Telupid (Sabah).
Meanwhile, Nga said the happiest town councils were Bintulu (Sarawak), Temerloh (Pahang), Johor Baru (Johor), Port Dickson (Negri Sembilan), Jasin (Melaka), Pontian (Johor), Ampang Jaya (Selangor) and Batu Pahat (Johor).
Nga said that Bandaraya Melaka, Petaling Jaya (Selangor) and Putrajaya rounded out the list.
Nga said 153 local authorities (PBT) have participated in the national happiness index and 75% of towns have achieved a happy level while 25% achieved a moderately happy level.
“This shows a positive improvement in our efforts to create a community that is more harmonious and inclusive,” said Nga when launching the World Happiness Day celebration at his ministry on Thursday (March 20).
Nga said that in Malaysia, town happiness index was implemented in 2015 through the Malaysian Urban-Rural National Indicators Network for Sustainable Development (MURNInets).
“The criteria is in line with the international happiness index which focus on aspects such as stress, health, family relationship and satisfaction on community services,” said Nga.
“Latest findings show that a big portion of towns in Malaysia have shown an increase in terms of happiness, which was due to continuous efforts by the government to create a more conducive environment,” said Nga.
World Happiness Day had been officially celebrated at the national-level since 2015.
Nga said his ministry will continue to intensify initiatives for the people, such as providing affordable housing solutions, shutting down illegal waste disposal sites, building 100 Madani Public Recreational Parks nationwide, and among others.
Nga said that through PLANMalaysia, his ministry is committed in implementing and realising a balanced, inclusive and comprehensive urban and rural planning.
“Today, we are not just celebrating happiness here, but we are strengthening our resolve to build a more inclusive, harmonious and prosperous nation,” added Nga.
