The 2021 Happiness Index study for cities in Malaysia has revealed that Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Perlis are our country’s happiest cities. Shared by the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia) today, all three of them scored 80% in the aforementioned study.
As reported by national news agency Bernama, Negeri Sembilan state secretary Datuk Dr Razali Ab Malik commented on the achievement, saying that the development of each town in the state was implemented based on their respective strength and capabilities. Furthermore, they are developed based on the three thrusts under the Negeri Sembilan Structure Plan 2045.
Razali commented,
“The three thrusts are to develop the districts of Seremban and Port Dickson through Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0 to be metropolis cities that are competitive, inclusive and clean.”
“Kuala Pilah, Tampin, Rembau and Jempol will be empowered through agropolis development that incorporates agricultural elements and Jelebu as a biodiversity area that emphasises natural resources conservation,”
With a population of 1.2 million, seven districts in Negeri Sembilan earned a full score with Tampin being named among the 10 happiest cities in Malaysia by scoring 99.5% and is followed by:
- Jelebu (97.85%)
- Jempol (89.07%)
- Kuala Pilah (88.39%)
- Port Dickson (85.76%)
- Seremban (83.60%)
- Rembau (81.91%)
Meanwhile in Melaka, the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) obtained a score of 91.97 per cent. The council said that it has drawn up various strategies and carried out efforts to improve the quality of public service delivery to ensure that the state continues to achieve its Happy status.
Its Mayor, Datuk Zainal Abu said it included the services offered by local authorities (PBTs) such as providing good infrastructure, responding to complaints promptly as well as implementing beautification projects in the surrounding areas.
Apart from MBMB, three other PBTs with highest scores were:
- Alor Gajah Municipal Council (98.17%)
- Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council (89.40%)
- Jasin Municipal Council (85.48%).
As for Perlis, the State New Growth Centres Development Committee chairman, Asmaiza Ahmad commented that despite having only a population of more than 254,000, Perlis has facilities and infrastructure that were on par with other states.
She also elaborated on the proposed Perlis Inland Port (PIP) project which will help support the development of the vicinity surrounding the state. Asamiza also added that the Kangar Municipal Council recorded a score of 80.02% in the Happiness Index study.
Besides the ones mentioned above, 80 out of 114 PBTs in the peninsula Malaysia and Sabah. The marks were given based on several aspects, including the quality of their services such as environmental hygiene, solid waste management and rubbish collection.
What do you guys think of the findings of the 2021 Happiness Index study? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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