PUTRAJAYA (June 19): The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) will continue to strengthen efforts to improve the quality of life through efficient and effective public service delivery, particularly in addressing challenges arising from rapid urbanisation, climate change and technological advancement.
Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu stressed that everyday urban issues such as neighbourhood cleanliness, market conditions, road and drainage maintenance, public space management and urban planning play a critical role in shaping community well-being. She noted that these elements collectively form an ecosystem that reflects the effectiveness of governance and public service delivery.
She explained that housing goes beyond physical structures, representing dignity, safety and a sense of belonging, while local governance reflects trust, responsibility and leadership in managing community needs.
Aiman Athirah made these remarks during an official visit by 13 international students enrolled in the Intensive Malay Language Proficiency Course at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, who visited the ministry in Putrajaya.
She emphasised that in today’s rapidly evolving urban environment, governments must remain agile, people-focused and forward-looking to ensure that public services remain relevant and responsive to current challenges.
She also highlighted that emerging issues such as climate change, digital transformation, economic pressures and demographic shifts require development approaches that are both inclusive and sustainable.
According to her, language proficiency and cultural understanding are increasingly important in strengthening international cooperation, especially in a global environment shaped by geopolitical complexity and technological change.
She added that the ability to understand different languages and cultures is no longer optional but essential, as it fosters empathy, reduces misunderstanding and enhances collaboration between societies.
The minister noted that language skills allow individuals to better understand societal values, behavioural norms and the foundations of social relationships, contributing to stronger cross-cultural engagement.
The visit involved 13 students from Moscow, who are currently enrolled in a dual-degree programme between Kyunghee University in Seoul and the National Research University Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Their programme included briefings on local government administration and field visits to agencies such as the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp), Sepang Municipal Council, a dragon fruit farm, Sirip Biru Jetty and Bagan Lalang Beach, providing them with a broader understanding of Malaysia’s local governance system.
What I Learned
This article shows that effective urban governance is not only about large infrastructure projects but also about managing everyday services that directly affect people’s quality of life, such as cleanliness, transport, drainage and public spaces. It highlights the importance of people-centred policies in dealing with modern challenges like urbanisation and climate change. The article also reinforces how governance today is increasingly interconnected with education and cultural exchange, where language proficiency and international exposure help build stronger cooperation and mutual understanding between countries.
Yao Mu Realty, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, specializes in industrial real estate for factories and land, delivering professional and efficient solutions.
Posted by Yao Mu Realty Sdn Bhd on 19 Jun 26
Malaysia