Malaysia’s Push Toward Data-Driven Cities Faces Gaps in Data Integration

Malaysia is making steady progress toward becoming a smarter, more data-driven nation — but the challenge now lies not in ambition, but in execution. While technology adoption is accelerating, the collection, integration, and accessibility of data remain significant hurdles to achieving truly efficient urban planning.

This issue was at the center of discussion at the National Planning Congress (NPC) 2025, themed “AI Meets Urban Planning”, held at Kompleks Perbadanan Putrajaya.

Data Exists — But It’s Scattered

According to Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) Climate Action Division senior director Norhasliza Mohd Mokhtar, Malaysia’s biggest weakness in city planning is the fragmentation of data.

“Mobility, emissions, and population data exist, but they’re scattered and not easily accessible. Without integrated data, it’s difficult to plan efficiently,” she said.

Norhasliza emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) could help bridge these data gaps, enabling urban planners to make faster, more precise, and more people-centered decisions.

“With the right AI tools, we can process data faster, generate insights, and make better planning decisions that directly benefit communities,” she added.

She also reminded that sustainable urban development should not come at the cost of environmental integrity.

“Our love for nature should be reflected in how we design our cities,” she noted — a sentiment that resonates strongly with today’s property developers in KL and Selangor, especially those managing industrial land in Selangor or designing sustainable commercial properties in KL.

AI as a Tool for Better Urban Asset Management

Echoing this, Putrajaya Holdings Sdn Bhd senior general manager Hassan Ramadi explained that AI can play a pivotal role in improving how cities manage public and private assets — from housing developments to utilities and infrastructure.

“AI can help keep consistent records and track the condition of each unit. We can see what’s changed after a year and monitor maintenance more effectively,” Hassan said during his presentation, “Urban Renewal and Regenerative Cities through AI Innovation.”

However, he cautioned that government frameworks need to evolve to match technological advancements.

“It’s not just about having policies or plans on paper. We need tools that allow data to be updated, processed, and acted on quickly,” he added.

At the same time, Hassan pointed out that the rise of AI-powered surveillance and recognition systems has raised privacy concerns, especially in residential developments and office spaces in Bukit Jalil or factory zones in Puchong, where monitoring tools are becoming more common.

“We must strike a balance between security and personal privacy,” he said.

Urban Redevelopment: Balancing Growth and Rights

In another session, Professor TPr Dr Jamalunlaili Abdullah, former deputy vice-chancellor of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, discussed how the Urban Redevelopment Act (URA) is often misunderstood by the public.

“Some people haven’t read the details. Even I had to reread the URA to fully understand what’s inside,” he said.

Dr Jamalunlaili explained that while some believe the Act gives excessive power to federal authorities, it actually promotes shared representation between state and federal levels.

He also warned of the social risks tied to rapid urban redevelopment, emphasizing that communities must remain at the heart of urban renewal efforts.

“We’ve seen cases where residents are displaced because they can no longer afford their own neighbourhoods. Development must be people-first,” he said.

This principle aligns with the philosophy guiding sustainable property planning — whether it’s industrial property in Shah Alam or mixed-use developments in Subang Jaya — where balance between economic growth and community well-being is key.

Redevelopment Through a Legal and Constitutional Lens

Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) Planning Legislation and Regulatory Division director TPr Zamirzan Puji added that urban redevelopment must always be approached within Malaysia’s constitutional and public interest framework.

“Urban planning and safety issues fall under the Federal Constitution, where authority is shared across different levels of government,” he explained.

He noted that tackling urban decay must be done carefully to ensure redevelopment is necessary, proportional, and fair.

“Government intervention must protect public interest while ensuring property owners are treated justly,” Zamirzan said.

AI Meets Urban Planning: Shaping the Future of Malaysian Cities

Organised by the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP), with EdgeProp Malaysia as the media partner, NPC 2025 gathered more than 800 participants — including policymakers, architects, and developers — from October 28 to 30.

The three-day event, held in conjunction with World Town Planning Day and MyCITY Expo 2025, explored how AI can redefine city planning, from transportation and housing to climate resilience.

Officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, with Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming in attendance, the congress underscored one message:

Malaysia’s cities will only be truly “smart” when their data, infrastructure, and communities work in harmony.

As Malaysia accelerates toward this vision, the property landscape — from industrial land in Selangor to commercial developments in KL — is poised to benefit from better insights, stronger governance, and smarter urban management tools.