The Department of Town and Country Planning (TCP) marked the World Town & Country Planning Day 2024 with a national-level launch on Thursday, officiated by Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid.
In his speech, the minister highlighted the publication of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan 2024-2029 as a significant milestone, charting the course for national development over the next five years. This plan aligns with the Ministry’s three core visions: Quality Life, Sustainable Development, and a Prosperous Nation. Sustainable development has been set as a key strategic goal, underpinning the Ministry’s broader objectives.
The minister noted that land use planning at the national, district, and local levels—encompassing policies, strategies, and development programs—plays a critical role in implementing sustainable development. Through the Planning Authority’s Committees, land use planning acts as a gatekeeper, ensuring the country’s land resources are managed strategically to meet various development needs.
The preparation of Planning Schemes and the publication of Planning Guidelines and Standards were highlighted as essential tools for guiding the development of housing, commercial, and industrial projects. These initiatives are expected to create an orderly and conducive development environment that supports sustainable progress.
The minister emphasised that land use plans are not just reference documents but platforms for collaboration among government and private agencies to drive integrated development. He praised TCP’s efforts in engaging stakeholders through dialogue sessions and focus group discussions and encouraged continued efforts to reinforce inclusive planning approaches.
He further stressed the importance of TCP’s adaptability, urging the department to strengthen its legislative and strategic capacities and build financial resources to ensure timely implementation of development programs outlined in the planning plan.
With the theme ‘Localising Sustainable Goals in Land Use Planning and Development Control’, this year’s celebration aims to promote the role of land use planning and development control in achieving local sustainable development goals.
To engage the public, a three-day exhibition will be held from November 15 to 17 at Times Square Shopping Complex in Berakas. The exhibition will showcase key initiatives and the role of land use planning in supporting sustainable development. It will also feature online systems that facilitate development applications and public feedback on planning matters.
The exhibition includes five main segments, inviting visitors to learn about TCP’s online services and draft planning schemes. Through the “What’s Your Say” segment, the public can provide feedback and participate in discussions.
To mark the celebration, multicoloured lights representing land use planning zones—green, red, yellow, blue, and purple—illuminate the Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Bridge from November 7 to 18, symbolising the importance of integrated development and collaboration.
Present at the event were permanent secretaries from the Ministry of Development and the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications, as well as the deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Development. – LYNA MOHAMMAD
