PUTRAJAYA: Future urban development must balance technological advancement with the preservation of national heritage and identity to create comfortable, sustainable and climate-resilient cities.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said traditional design principles could be combined with modern technology to build homes better suited to local conditions, including hot weather and flood risks.
"Building the cities of the future does not mean setting aside our heritage and history. Instead, traditional design wisdom can be combined with modern technology to create homes that are more comfortable and resilient to hot weather and flood risks," he said at the national-level World Habitat Day celebration here today.
Nga, who is also president of the UN-Habitat Assembly, cited traditional Malay houses as an example of architecture that could inspire modern housing development.
He said features such as raised structures, natural ventilation and verandas that foster neighbourhood ties deserved greater consideration in future housing plans.
He said the Housing and Local Government Ministry encouraged the development of affordable homes near public transport and employment centres to ease daily commutes and improve quality of life.
Housing plans should also consider access to jobs, basic amenities, green spaces and community services to ensure residents could afford their homes and enjoy a conducive living environment, he said.
"Under the Malaysia Madani framework, a home is not merely a commodity, but a basic necessity that forms the foundation of the people's well-being," he said.
Nga said Malaysia was also strengthening its commitment to energy-efficient and climate-responsive housing through the IPOH Accord, finalised at the Fourth Asean-China Ministerial Roundtable Conference on Housing (ACMROCH).
This year's World Habitat Day carries the national theme "The Future City I Want to Live In", reflecting aspirations for cities that account for climate change, cultural heritage, development experiences and Malaysia's diverse communities.
At the event, Nga presented the Malaysia 2026 Honorary Scroll Award and the MUF 2026 Future City Pilot Project Award in recognition of contributions to improving urban well-being.
World Habitat Day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness of everyone's right to adequate shelter.
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