KPKT sets 23 indicators to improve Malaysia's rating in the Global Liveability Index

• iDAM is in line with the measurement and evaluation of the well-being of the residents of a city that is practised at the global level.
• “It also means that nature is not an absolute right to be owned, but it is entrusted from future generations to be taken care of for the continued well-being of mankind.”

PUTRAJAYA (Aug 31): The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) has taken the initiative to introduce the Liveable Malaysia Agenda by setting the Malaysia Liveability Index (iDAM) to be practised by the Local Authorities (LAs) in the country.

Launched recently by the Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican, the development of iDAM is in line with the measurement and evaluation of the well-being of the residents of a city that is practised at the global level, especially by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in the UK, MERCER in the US and Monocle in Europe.

He said iDAM, which was developed by KPKT through the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia), would also help improve Malaysia's rating in the Global Liveability Index, which is able to attract more investors, expatriates and foreign students to Malaysia.

With its first phase of implementation involving 101 LAs in Peninsular Malaysia that have used the MurniNet system, Reezal said iDAM was among the important indicators for the expansion and economic development of an area in order to improve the well-being of residents.

“The measurement (of iDAM) is dynamic and it will be a healthy competition for all stakeholders to ensure that each LA improves its respective liveability levels,” he said.

He said the liveability level is relatable to us and our environment, our settlement and our habitation in an area, whether the area or settlement is able to meet the needs of life in terms of its economy, education, health, basic needs, infrastructure, and green environment that is sustainable and future-proof.

“Liveable also means that all those elements are available to be used by our children's generations in the future.

“It also means that nature is not an absolute right to be owned, but it is entrusted from future generations to be taken care of for the continued well-being of mankind,” he added.

The Minister said that humans must be administrators and managers of these treasures so that they can be passed on to the next generation.

“If something happens on this earth, it is not only caused by environmental phenomena, not caused by animals, not caused by unplanned things, but it is caused by human action,” he said.

That is why, he said, it is very important that the people who inhabit this world become managers, administrators, and planners to make this earth that we live truly habitable for the generations to come.

“We have to be a good manager … when we fail to plan, we plan to fail. We have to put all these compliances to measure and comply,” he told EdgeProp.

He said if an LA achieved a low Liveability Index, the LA has to plan and changes need to be done by the said party.

“Not only the said LA but the whole community there have to changes … it is not top-down, (but) it is an inclusive effort,” he stressed.

He said the iDAM measurement framework in the first phase only used 23 indicators and would be expanded to 45 indicators that would be identified in the next phase.

Reezal noted that the iDAM framework was based on six main criteria, namely a prosperous and competitive economy; sustainable and safe environmental quality; prosperous communities; effective land use and resource utilisation, quality basic infrastructure and efficient urban governance.

During the launching ceremony, 10 LAs received the accolades for achieving the Highest Level of Liveability – Putrajaya Corp, Kajang Municipal Council, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council, Petaling Jaya City Council, Iskandar Puteri City Council, Kampar District Council, Kerian District Council, Subang Jaya City Council, Historical Malacca City Council and Rembau District Council.

The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) received a special award as a global city with a high liveability level.

Reezal said the implementation of iDAM in Sabah and Sarawak would take some time as the two states had not fully used the MurniNet system yet.

“We expect iDAM measurement to start in Sabah at the end of this year and in Sarawak in 2023,” he added.