Anwar Ibrahim says urban planning must not sideline humanitarian values, stressing planning must deliver real grassroots improvements
PETALING JAYA: Urban planning and development should not sideline humanitarian values and the welfare of the people, in line with the Malaysia MADANI concept, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the efficiency and performance of the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) should serve as an example in improving urban planning to ensure it is not focused solely on the grandeur of physical structures.
“When we talk about physical and urban planning, we are talking about life, humanity, and matters related to our faith in religion, values and morality.
“Sometimes, we go to work and return home, forgetting that urban development is actually about human development, as well as fostering our faith and morality, so that humanitarian principles remain at the core,” he said.
The Prime Minister was speaking at the opening of World Town Planning Day 2026 and the launch of the Fifth National Physical Plan (RFN5) and Third National Urbanisation Policy (DPN3) here today.
Also present were Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
The Prime Minister said efforts to increase greenery in urban planning, alongside the provision of basic amenities, remained among the key challenges facing the government.
He cited the threat of flooding, which often affects suburban areas, with low-income groups bearing the brunt of its impact.
“Looking at the impact of floods, for instance, suburban areas are usually the worst affected, with the poor bearing the greatest impact.
“Take states such as Kelantan and Terengganu, for example. Although I am aware of the political differences, I do not let that stand in the way. I remain strongly committed to resolving the people’s problems, including flooding, through flood mitigation projects,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the success of any planning initiative should not be measured solely against international standards, but must also translate into tangible improvements at the grassroots level to demonstrate the strength of a local authority area.
“Whether it is a city or a town, that is what constitutes its strength. If implementation is delayed, progress will also be delayed. Weakness, negligence, the culture of illegally amassing wealth and stealing the people’s assets, as well as delaying decisions, will become a burden that renders planning meaningless,” he said.
At the same time, the Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation to local authority leaders who carried out their duties with integrity and sincerity, thereby enhancing their own standing, that of the community and the cities and towns under their administration.
