Bandar hilir: The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is urging local authorities nationwide to increase the use of solar energy and smart technology in urban management to improve service efficiency, cleanliness, and public safety. Datuk Dr M Noor Azman Taib, KPKT's secretary-general, highlighted that this initiative aligns with the ministry's smart city agenda, which includes 85 key indicators to evaluate a city's readiness for smart city status.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Melaka, through the Historic City of Melaka Corporation (MBMB), has met a significant number of these indicators, positioning the city highly in terms of smart city agenda implementation. Initiatives such as smart bins, along with the use of closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), motion sensors, and monitoring systems, have been introduced to address security concerns.
M Noor Azman further commented on the concept of smart cities, which incorporates elements of safe cities focusing on public safety and efficient emergency management. He emphasized that solar-powered smart bins contribute to energy savings, reducing reliance on conventional electricity, aligning with KPKT's push for green energy.
Although the solar-powered smart bin is a product developed by MBMB and will be patented, M Noor Azman suggested that such innovations should be shared and expanded to other cities and authorities to enhance cleanliness effectively. He stated that the smart city agenda should be prioritized by all parties to support national development and boost cities' international competitiveness.
Meanwhile, MBMB Mayor Datuk Shadan Othman explained that the smart bin was developed to ensure that tourist hotspots, particularly around Bandar Hilir, remain clean and well-maintained. He noted that conventional trash bins often resulted in complaints about litter, a problem that could be mitigated with the systematic and efficient use of smart bins. Currently, eight smart bins have been installed in strategic locations, with seven units around Bandar Hilir and one unit at Dataran MBMB.