NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT MUST BALANCE PHYSICAL PROGRESS, HUMAN WELL-BEING - ANWAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The government will ensure that every development in this country is planned and implemented in a balanced manner between physical progress and human well-being, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

When chairing the 49th National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) Meeting today, the Prime Minister stressed that every new development approval must be based on human values, including for projects based on smart cities, technological sophistication and artificial intelligence (AI).

"Smart cities are not just magnificent buildings or sophisticated systems, but a reflection of how progress can elevate the well-being of the people. Therefore, the people's basic problems such as dilapidated lifts in public housing, dilapidated stalls and dilapidated public facilities cannot be ignored," he said in a Facebook post today.

The Prime Minister also stressed that the success of development is not measured by towering skyscrapers, but by the extent to which the people live comfortably, prosperously and with dignity.

He also called on state governments to focus attention on the conservation of heritage and culture, especially in old city areas and historic locations.

"Modern development needs to preserve local architecture and the values ​​of the nation's heritage so that progress does not sacrifice the identity and beauty that form the Malaysian identity," he said.

Anwar said the results of the meeting would serve as a guide for planning agencies and local authorities in formulating policies and approving projects in the future so that the country's development continues to be centred on a balance between physical, technological and human aspects.

-- BERNAMA