88 local authorities recognised under Malaysia Smart City Rating since 2023
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has announced that 88 local authorities have been recognised under the Malaysia Smart City Rating since its launch in 2023, with 28 new endorsements in 2026. Separately, eight private townships qualified for the Smart Township rating this year, inc
PETALING JAYA (Oct 28): A total of 88 local authorities nationwide have received recognition under the Malaysia Smart City Rating since its introduction in 2023, while eight private townships qualified for the separate Smart Township rating this year, according to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT).
In a statement on Wednesday (Oct 28), KPKT said 28 local authorities were endorsed for new recognition in 2026. Of these, one attained Level 3: Leading Smart City, nine reached Level 2: Developing Smart City and 18 achieved Level 1: Smart City Early Adopter. The local-authority assessments were based on MS ISO 37122:2019, which sets out indicators for smart cities.
KPKT said the developments were confirmed at the National Smart City Council meeting chaired by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming on Oct 27. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to present the awards to the local authorities on Nov 4 during the World Town Planning Day 2026 celebration at the Petaling Jaya City Council's Civic Hall auditorium.
For the private sector, eight of the 12 applications received from developers this year met the Smart Township rating criteria. One township achieved Platinum, four secured Gold and three received Silver. KPKT extended its smart city rating approach to the private sector in 2025 to encourage smarter, more sustainable and liveable township developments. The ministry said private-sector participation complemented government efforts to apply smart city principles to township development and the management of facilities and services.
The ministry said it is targeting 115 local authorities to achieve at least Level 1 by 2030. It said Malaysia's smart city agenda had also been designated a national Public Service Reform Agenda initiative, in line with the aspirations of the 13th Malaysia Plan and Malaysia MADANI.
Nga said in the statement that the ratings were an important tool to encourage local authorities to strengthen their capabilities and governance, and use technology to improve public services. “Smart cities are not just about using technology, but how technology can be used to make things easier for the public, improve service efficiency and create urban environments that are safer, more sustainable and more comfortable to live in,” he said. He added that KPKT would continue working with federal and state governments, local authorities and the private sector to ensure urban development benefits the public, in line with Malaysia's aspiration to become a Smart Nation by 2040.
