43rd ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE URBAN AFFAIRS ASSOCIATION 3-6 APRIL2013

Federal Department of Town and Country Planning (FDTCP) Peninsular Malaysia, Ministry of Housing and Local Government will participate 43rd ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE URBAN AFFAIRS ASSOCIATION :Building the 21st Century City: Inclusion, Innovation, and Globalization will be held in San Francisco California United States of America.. 3 papers will be presented by 3 officers from FDTCP.

 

MALAYSIAN URBAN RURAL NATIONAL INDICATORS NETWORK ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (MURNInets)

by

Shamsaini Shamsuddin

shamsaini.shamsuddin@townplan.gov.my

Azmizam Abdul Rashid

azmizam@townplan.gov.my

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to promote a set of criteria, indicators and indices for sustainability assessment in major cities of Malaysia. Malaysia Urban Indicators Network (MURNInet) is a programme developed by the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, Peninsular Malaysia (FDTCP) to assess the performance and levels of sustainability of Malaysian cities. Implemented in 2002, the MURNInet programme was a foundation for Malaysia to measure city development. MURNInet pilot projects were launched in six Malaysian cities namely Georgetown, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Kuching, Pasir Mas and Batu Pahat. After almost 10 years of implementation, in the year 2011, MURNInet was reviewed and 6 dimensions, 21 themes and 36 indicators are introduced MURNInet is also rebranded as The Malaysian Urban Rural National Indicators Network on Sustainable Development (MURNInets). In search of an adequate set of indicators to develop an index, some existing indicators and indices have been reviewed. This article focuses on the implementation of a new set of indicators to assess urban sustainability in Malaysia. The structural change in population and its distribution or concentration has allows for agglomeration economies that provides greater opportunities for information and knowledge sharing, cultural exchanges and more effective provision of services, particularly health and education. All of these elements are essential for social development, advancement of civil society, well-being, cultural consolidation, change and cosmopolitanism. Function of cities as centres of political power and administration are strengthened. The closer proximity to the seat of power, their higher concentration and better articulation of their demands through civil organisations have meant that urban citizens have greater opportunities to influence policy-making and setting developmental agendas at both local and national levels. The assessments of the sustainability of cities are always relevant and to the selection and application of asset of sustainable development indicators to ensure that city development are directed towards attaining sustainable development.

Keywords : urban sustainability, indicators, network, measurement, local authority

REVITALIZING URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA THROUGH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF URBAN REGENERATION PROGRAMME

by

Azmizam Abdul Rashid

azmizam@townplan.gov.my

Abstract

Malaysia’s modern urban growth, development and urbanisation experiences may be conveniently periodised into three major periods, based on the form, structure and functions of the urban centres. . In Malaysia, given the growing conditions of neglect and degradation of the cities centers.  Since most Malaysian city centers are very old historical cities and seem to be rediscovering now the economic value of creative industries and culture. Urban revitalization and regeneration together with the issues of energy sustainability and the need to reduce pollutant emissions, are today the major challenges facing the planning of cities. The concept of urban regeneration in Malaysia’s cities to promote a “return to the city”, revitalise the city centre, restore activity in a fiercely competitive international context, and implement initiatives to improve the quality of the environment operating in a wide sense towards a smart growth.  Urban regeneration is more than just upgrading the physical environment of an area to hopefully spark private investment. However one of most critical issue in urban regeneration is gentrification. This should not be happening in the true spirit of urban revitalization. Instead of displacing the existing community, they should be relocated to the same site. Therefore urban regeneration processes accomplishes the growing importance in literature of concepts like territorial governance, institutional relational density, creativity, social capital, city branding, city image and place marketing. Kuala Lumpur City Hall is among the municipalities practices urban regeneration by recognizing it as one of the strategic directions the city will take in an effort to encourage more sustainable lifestyles.

Keywords : urban revitalization, urban regeneration, gentrification, public participation

20 MARCH 2013 THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF HAPPINESS: MALAYSIA’S INITIATIVE TO ENHANCE HAPPINESS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE CITY

Malaysia is committed to ensure a high quality of life (QoL) and well-being in its urban and rural areas. The Federal Department of Town and Country Planning (FDTCP) being the focal point for developing and coordinating the overall framework on Sustainable Development Indicators for local authorities through MURNInets (Malaysian Urban-Rural National Indicators Network for Sustainable Development) has now incorporated Happiness Index into the framework. Conceived in late 2010, the Happiness Index was based on international trends which gave special focus on happiness in the context of the Government's effort in improving the well-being of communities. This is in line with the Department’s vision to be a “Leader in Town and Country Planning towards achieving a Quality and Sustainable Living Environment by 2020”, FDTCP’s Universal Planning and Development Doctrine produced in 1998 and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government’s commitment in promoting Sustainable Communities.

World Happiness Report 2012 Malaysia was in a commendable 51st position among 156 countries by virtue of our country’s economic performance where the happiness factor was measured in terms of gross national product or gross domestic product. Malaysia will be eyeing to chalk up its ranking in the world and Asia Happiness Index besides aiming for higher economic growth by the year 2020.  This is in line with the national transformation agenda which aims to turn Malaysia into a high-income economy that considers happiness ranking.

Our Prime Minister is very serious in providing infrastructure and financial aids to raise Malaysia's ranking in the happiness index under the Economic Transformation Programme . Happiness Index has been incorporated in MURNInets sustainable community's dimension that include community vitality, cultural diversity and resilience, health, education, ecological diversity, quality of life and efficiency of governance. Happiness Index Study (HIS) in MURNInets contains findings from primary data collection jointly administered between local authorities and residents. This study  highlights the state of happiness in the context of community and governance. A good physical and happy environment provides the foundation for successful sustainable communities. 

In 2012, the United Nations (UN) declared March 20 to be observed as the International Day of Happiness. The  day recognises that happiness is a fundamental human goal, and calls upon countries to approach public policies in ways that improve the well-being of all people. By designating a special day for happiness, the UN aims to focus world attention on the idea that economic growth must be inclusive, equitable, and balanced, such that it promotes sustainable development and alleviates poverty. Additionally the UN acknowledges that in order to attain global happiness, economic development must be accompanied by social and environmental well-being.The initiative to declare a day of happiness came from Bhutan – a country whose citizens are considered to be some of the happiest people in the world. The Himalayan Kingdom has championed an alternative measure of national and societal prosperity, called the Gross National Happiness Index (GNH). The GNH rejects the sole use of economic and material wealth as an indicator of development, and instead adopts a more holistic outlook, where spiritual well-being of citizens and communities is given as much importance as their material well-being.

A good physical environment provides the foundation for a well-ordered city that can cater to the material and post-material needs of its citizens—the necessary conditions, in other words, for physical and economic vibrancy.  Most people tend to associate happiness with feeling good, that is, with a life that offers a variety of pleasure and comfort.  Happiness index of the people is a framework for decision-making and policy development. It provides guidance to local authorities interested in improving the level of well-being of its communities. The challenge for us now is to overcome our constraints and expand the mental and cultural space that we have. So anyone who wishes to  keep themselves engaged and energetic in their work and their community, could contribute better towards creating a livable and  vibrant city.

FDTCP's INITIATIVE TO ENHANCE HAPPINESS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE CITY