PUTRAJAYA: The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is committed to translating innovative ideas and community aspirations into concrete action through the MUF Future City Pilot Project Grant initiative, with an allocation of RM24,000 to implement three pilot projects.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said the initiative, announced in conjunction with the Malaysia Urban Forum 2026 (MUF2026) Accelerator, aimed to develop practical solutions based on the actual needs of the community, to bring direct benefits to local residents.
“Through the MUF2026 Accelerator, we are creating opportunities for residents, youths and children to turn their ideas into projects that benefit the community.
“We want to encourage local residents and young people to participate and co-create in the development of our future cities,” he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the MUF2026 Accelerator here yesterday.
He said the success of urban development should not be measured solely by planning or discussions, but by implementation of ideas that could bring meaningful change to the people.
“The success of MUF2026 should not be measured by the number of sessions held or resolutions produced, but by the extent to which these ideas are translated into concrete action and bring meaningful change to the country,” he said.
Nga said that to realise the initiative, KPKT, through its agency Urbanice Malaysia, had allocated RM24,000 in grants for winners whose ideas are selected for implementation.
Nga said the MUF Future City Pilot Project Grant initiative focused on developing high- impact solutions to improve the quality of the urban environment, public amenities, environmental sustainability and residents’ well-being.
He said the approach was key in addressing the country’s rapid urbanisation, which required more progressive, innovative and people-centred planning.
“Currently, about 76% of Malaysians live in urban areas, and the urbanisation rate is projected to reach 85% by 2040,” he said, Bernama reported.
Nga said the increase underscored the need for comprehensive planning to ensure that physical development went hand in hand with quality infrastructure, a safe environment, conducive public amenities and improvements in the community’s standard of living.
Themed “Bandar Masa Hadapan yang Ingin Kami Diami” (The Future City I Want to Call Home), the MUF2026 Accelerator brings together five key groups: women, youths, academics, grassroots communities and children, to ensure that the views of various segments of society are taken into account in shaping future cities.
