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