KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — Petaling Jaya, Klang Royal City, and Ampang Jaya in Selangor have been named among Malaysia’s 20 happiest towns for 2025, according to the Malaysia Happiness Index.
The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT), in a statement, announced that eight districts — including Lipis in Pahang and Telupid in Sabah — were awarded the happiest towns title under the district council category, while 12 others received the recognition under the city/municipal council category at the national-level International Day of Happiness celebration in Putrajaya.
Apart from Lipis and Telupid, six other districts received the same award under the district council category. They are Cameron Highlands and Jerantut, in Pahang; Kuala Krai, Kelantan; Bandar Baharu, Kedah; Kuala Pilah and Jelebu in Negeri Sembilan, the statement read.
Meanwhile, the nine other happiest towns recognised under the city/municipal council category are Bintulu, Sarawak; Temerloh, Pahang; Jasin and Melaka City in Melaka; Batu Pahat, Pontian, and Johor Bahru in Johor; and Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan.
A total of 153 local authorities across Peninsular Malaysia, the Federal Territories (Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, and Labuan), Sabah, and Sarawak participated in the Happiness Index survey.
The results showed that 115 towns (75 per cent) achieved ‘happy’ status, while 38 (25 per cent) were classified as ‘moderately happy’.
The Happiness Index is measured based on global happiness assessment criteria, focusing on factors such as stress levels, health conditions, family relationships, and satisfaction with facilities and quality of services provided by local leaders.
— Bernama
