Five years ahead of schedule, Johor has made national history as Malaysia’s first officially recognized smart state, marking a major step toward digital governance, sustainability, and innovation-driven growth.

Johor has officially earned the distinction of being Malaysia’s first smart state after all 16 of its local authorities achieved at least Level 1–Smart City Early Adopter status under the Malaysian Smart City Rating framework. The achievement, confirmed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, places Johor years ahead of its own development timeline and cements its reputation as a forward-looking leader in digital transformation.

According to State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor, the recognition arrived five years ahead of plan. Johor had originally aimed to align fully with the Smart City Master Plan by 2030.

“More importantly, the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) created history when it emerged as the first local authority in the country to achieve Level 3–Leading Smart City status, thus elevating Johor as a leader of the country’s smart city agenda,” he said in a statement.

The milestone was announced during World Urban Planning Day and the 2025 National Planning Congress (NPC) in Putrajaya, where Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof—who also serves as Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation—presented the award.

A STATEWIDE COLLABORATION

Mohd Jafni credited the success to collaboration between PlanMalaysia@Johor, state and local authorities, universities, technical agencies, the private sector, and community partners. “Under the Maju Johor platform, the smart city agenda is not just about digitalisation,” he explained. “It reflects modern administration focused on people’s well-being, efficiency, and sustainable development.”

Johor’s transformation has been guided by a multi-pronged approach, combining digital technology, data-driven governance, and sustainability. Among the state’s key smart city initiatives are the creation of Smart Command Centres in every local authority, installation of over 2,000 CCTV cameras across Greater Johor Bahru, deployment of a smart traffic management system, and introduction of AI-powered waste management solutions.

The rollout also includes smart air sensors to monitor urban environments and the full digitalisation of business licensing systems, streamlining procedures for entrepreneurs and reducing bureaucratic delays.

At the heart of Johor’s strategy is the belief that smart city development should improve daily life, not just technology metrics. The Smart City framework integrates public safety, mobility, environment, and governance under one digital ecosystem to enhance service delivery and citizen engagement.

SUSTAINABILITY AND THE JOHOR GREEN DEAL

Complementing the technological advances is the Johor Green Deal, a key component of the state’s long-term sustainability agenda. The programme includes expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, improving energy efficiency in government buildings, and promoting community awareness of a low-carbon lifestyle.

Johor is also strengthening green energy management, particularly through initiatives focused on renewable power adoption and sustainable urban planning. These measures align with Malaysia’s national energy transition goals and reinforce Johor’s role as a model for balancing digital innovation with environmental responsibility.

“This success proves that leadership grounded in vision and action can deliver major transformation for the people,” said Mohd Jafni. “It also shows that technological progress can be driven in line with human values and social well-being.”

POSITIONING FOR REGIONAL LEADERSHIP

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi described the recognition as both a validation and a catalyst for continued growth, calling the state’s new smart city status “a foundation for the future digital economy.”

He noted that the milestone strengthens Johor’s readiness to support the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which aims to become a major hub for investment, innovation, and cross-border trade. The smart infrastructure now in place will enhance the state’s attractiveness to technology companies, investors, and talent seeking a digitally advanced environment.

Industry observers view Johor’s rapid transformation as a model for other Malaysian states and ASEAN neighbours. The integration of digital systems into public administration, they say, demonstrates how technology can be used to create efficient, transparent, and people-centred governance.

BUILDING A CONNECTED FUTURE

As Malaysia’s gateway to the south and one of its most economically dynamic states, Johor’s early completion of its smart city objectives represents a national milestone. The achievement is expected to accelerate the adoption of similar frameworks across the country, fostering a more connected and sustainable Malaysia by the end of the decade.

For residents, the impact will be seen in practical ways—safer neighbourhoods, smoother traffic flow, faster government services, and more environmentally conscious development. For the state, it signals the emergence of a governance model that embraces innovation while staying true to its social mission: improving quality of life for every Johorean.

Johor’s success, years ahead of schedule, underscores that the future of Malaysia’s urban development is not only smart but also inclusive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in community well-being.

Sources: Bernama, The Star, New Straits Times, PlanMalaysia, and Johor State Government press statements.