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.
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