The country’s Town and Country Planning Department targets 125 cities to score over 80 percent in order to be categorised as ‘Happy Cities’ in the Happiness Index 2025.
Its director-general, Dr Alias Rameli said to achieve that objective, the government through the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), had been emphasising boosting well-being which encompassed the healthcare system aspects, tackling poverty comprehensively, building affordable quality homes, increasing economic activities, promoting an active lifestyle and strengthening unity.
“However, we very much need the cooperation of the state governments to ensure that the 14 aspects of happiness which are indicators in the index can be attained and benefit the local residents. The real efforts are at the state-government and local government levels as we understand that it depends on the financial allocations, which may involve some constraints. We will continue to assist the local authorities in gauging the level of people’s well-being in the Malaysia Liveability Index (iDAM) framework.”
Measuring Happiness is very subjective for cities, it will involve asking questions and conducting surveys to gauge feelings. Issues pertaining to social economy, health, environment, and fair equity distribution.
