NPC 2023: Micro planning needed to allow city inhabitants to shape their communities

• The micro planning is a process that builds the capacity of the community to analyse their own situations and work on it to create a better future. It targets specific local issues or objectives, prepared as a short-term plan.

PUTRAJAYA (Nov 9): Humanity must be prioritised in achieving sustainable urban development. This was voiced in the National Planning Congress (NPC) 2023 held here yesterday.

“I strongly feel that to address people’s needs, to plan for the people, by the people, we must allow people to shape the environment they want to live in,” said the Department of Town and Country Planning (PLANMalaysia) director general TPr Dr Alias Rameli in his welcome address.

Read also
Government upping efforts towards Smart Cities
MIP President explains what, why, who of upcoming National Planning Congress 2023
NPC 2023: More awareness needed from school level to build sustainable community
NPC 2023: Countries should address transboundary issues to improve environment

“For this, we must adopt a smaller scale or human scale of planning – the micro planning,” he added.

The micro planning is a process that builds the capacity of the community to analyse their own situations and work on it to create a better future. It targets specific local issues or objectives, prepared as a short-term plan. For example, placemaking, space design with urban infrastructure, neighbourhood planning, urban revitalisation projects and community-based projects, Alias elaborated.

This can be done through human-centric urban planning, either by developing policies and plans which are centred around the people and their needs or by promoting inclusive participation in the planning process towards future-proofing cities.

He pointed out the hierarchy of urban planning in Malaysia has always comprised three tiers: national planning, state planning and local planning. However, during his tenure in PLANMalaysia, he introduced the fourth tier, aimed at addressing the community’s needs.

“As we can see, urban and rural developments have been recognised as two important aspects of Malaysia Madani. Therefore, urban planners and city managers should play bigger roles in making sure our cities are planned and managed in a transparent and cooperative manner to address any potential future possibilities and difficulties,” he said.

Creating sustainable urban spaces

The NPC is an annual event held in observance of the World Town Planning Day. The two-day congress from Nov 8-9 aims to highlight the positive impact of effective planning in creating sustainable urban spaces for people to live, work and play.

Hosted by Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) with the support of Putrajaya Corporation and PLANMalaysia, NPC 2023 carries the theme “Planning For Malaysia Madani to Accelerate SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 2023”. EdgeProp was the media partner.

Bringing together 30 local speakers and six international speakers comprising town planners, built-environment professionals, academicians and government officials, they hope to explore methods to plan cities that can withstand challenges, adapt to change and thrive amidst uncertainties to create connected and liveable communities.

The event was officiated by Chief Secretary of Malaysia Tan Sri Datuk Seri Mohd Zuki Ali. He noted NPC’s theme this year serves as a vehicle to integrate the pillars of the Madani vision in empowering the urban and rural communities with better quality of life, strengthening knowledge sharing and cross-border strategic planning, while enhancing innovation as a key town planning instrument. 

Planners as mobilisers of change

In her opening plenary address, Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP) president Elenor Mohammed quashed the myth that planners do not have power to effect changes as it “rests in the hands of politicians”.

“We are here to challenge that notion. Who holds the pen in drafting the policies and designs that form our communities, build our cities and organise our regions? Who engages entities and advises the public, stakeholders and governments? Who acts in the public interest? Who has the skills to create space for the unheard to be heard?” she asked, adding that these powers rest in the hands of the professional planners.

“We often hear that business and work aren’t personal but the very nature of our chosen profession of planning is personal. Every day we influence and impact how people live, work, recreate and travel. We impact their safety, physical health, mental health and their ability to have their voices heard. It’s very powerful,” she stressed.

Sustainable development key to social well-being

Speaking at the opening ceremony, MIP president Datin TPr Hjh Noraida Saludin noted that the NPC serves to dignify the profession of town planners and increase public awareness of the importance of systematic and comprehensive town planning towards achieving sustainable development, which is key to the well-being of the society. 

She pointed out that the NPC will bring a more holistic and integrated mandate across all urban and rural municipal councils, government, private sectors and the community, emphasising inclusivity among all social stratas in line with the mantra “leave no one and places behind” in national growth and development.

Cities are both contributor and consumer

Meanwhile, UN-Habitat executive director Datuk Seri Paduka Maimunah Mohd Sharif pointed out cities are significant contributors to the global gross domestic product. However they also consume two thirds of global energy, account for 72% of gas emission and have an estimated water demand of 80% by 2050.

“This paradox presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While cities contribute significantly to environmental degradation and resource depletion, cities also have the potential to drive transformational change by embracing integrated urban planning that encompasses sustainable practices such as nature-based solutions, resilient infrastructure, circular economy and green technology,” she said.

Building city resiliency

Under the “Building City Resiliency” session, Universiti Teknologi MARA Prof TPr Dr Jamalunlaili Abdullah stressed the importance of practical training or studio projects as part of the learning process in educational institutions’ SDG curriculum.

“The studio projects require students to incorporate sustainable urban development theories and practices,” he explained.

He said students are also required to take specific subjects such as Low Carbon Cities, Environmental Impact Assessment and Social Impact Assessment to ensure they are well versed with the current trends in the industry.

Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Chukwujekwu from the UK’s chapter of CAP spoke of reimagining planning from a place-based approach, cohesive system approach and integrated, holistic and targeted land approach. He also stressed the importance of neighbourhood planning in facing climate emergency, giving power to the people.

Discussing city resilience from an environmental and cultural perspective, New Zealand Institute of Planners chairman Bryce Julyan drew lessons from two successful master plans – Tupuna Maunga Integrated Management Plan, a shining example of successful co-governance between the government and the indigenous people; and the Milford Opportunities Masterplan, which showcased the preservation of natural environment amidst development and tourism growth. 

In his presentation on Technology and Innovation in City Resilience, TM One’s Smart & Innovative Services general manager Hairol’azaha Abdul Samad stressed the importance of data as key while technology is just the enabler.

“Data is the key of tomorrow. It will tell us what we should do, other than just deploying technology today and ending up as a white elephant,” he pointed out.

Hairol’azaha stressed that for cities to face any challenges, it is about understanding the people and their mental health, and right and timely data allow planners to make informed decisions to address that. 

Looking to buy a home? Sign up for EdgeProp START and get exclusive rewards and vouchers for ANY home purchase in Malaysia (primary or subsale)!