KUALA LUMPUR: The government has ensured that every development in the country is planned and executed with a balance between physical progress and human well-being, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
While chairing the 49th National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) meeting on Monday (Oct 13), the Prime Minister emphasised that all new development approvals must be grounded in human values, including projects focused on smart cities, technological sophistication, and artificial intelligence (AI).
"Smart cities are not merely about grand buildings or advanced systems but about how progress can enhance the people's well-being. Therefore, fundamental issues such as faulty lifts in public housing, rundown stalls, and neglected public facilities cannot be overlooked," he said in a Facebook post on Monday.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the success of development is not gauged by towering skyscrapers but by how comfortably, prosperously, and with dignity the people live.
He urged state governments to prioritise the conservation of heritage and culture, particularly in old city areas and historic sites.
"Modern development should preserve local architecture and the nation's heritage values, ensuring that progress does not undermine the identity and beauty that define Malaysia," he remarked.
Anwar mentioned that the meeting's outcomes would guide planning agencies and local authorities in crafting policies and approving future projects, ensuring the country's development remains centred on a balance between physical, technological, and human elements. – Bernama
