PUTRAJAYA, Oct 26 — Malaysia continues focusing on the urban renewal agenda to make the country greener, smarter, and more sustainable, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Agenda 2030.
Local Government Development (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming spoke of this in his national statement at the 8th Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF8), organised by the United Nations (UN) and held from October 22 to October 26 in Suwon, South Korea, to discuss various urban issues.
He said urban renewal efforts could restore and revive dilapidated and economically non-viable urban areas by implementing Urban Renewal Guidelines, reflecting Malaysia's commitment to modernising urban development and making it more efficient and sustainable.
Urban planning and development are vital economic and social agendas for Malaysia, given the current urbanisation rate of 78 per cent, expected to increase to 84 per cent by 2040, the ministry said in a statement today.
Nga added that Malaysia is currently in Phase Two of implementing the National Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aligned with the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK-12).
The primary focus is strengthening sustainability and governance, building prosperous communities, and achieving high-income status for the nation.
SDG localisation is also being accelerated via the Malaysia SDG Cities Roadmap, and this guideline document serves to encourage cities to develop their own SDG 2030 Roadmaps, thus empowering local stakeholders to implement global goals.
He said out of 155 local authorities in Malaysia, 45 cities, or 30 per cent, have prepared roadmaps aligning with the SDGs agenda, thus expediting its implementation.
— Bernama
