KPKT Encourages PBTS To Expand Use Of Solar Energy And Smart City Technology

MELAKA, April 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) is encouraging local authorities (PBT) across the country to expand the use of solar energy and smart technology in urban management to enhance service efficiency, cleanliness and public safety.

Its secretary-general, Datuk Dr M Noor Azman Taib, said that the initiative is in line with the smart city agenda outlined by the ministry through 85 key indicators introduced to assess the readiness level of a city towards smart city status.

"Melaka, particularly through the Historic City of Melaka Corporation (MBMB), has achieved a significant portion of the relevant indicators and places the city at a high level in the implementation of the smart city agenda.

"Among the initiatives introduced are smart bins, in addition to the use of closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), motion sensors, and monitoring systems that help address security issues," he said to reporters in Bandar Hilir here today.

Earlier, he attended the completion ceremony of the MBMB Solar Powered Smart Bin Usage, which was also attended by the MBMB Mayor Datuk Shadan Othman.

Commenting further, M Noor Azman said that in the concept of smart cities, there are also elements of safe cities that emphasise public safety and the ability to manage emergency situations more quickly and systematically.

He said that the use of solar-powered smart bins also contributes to energy savings because they do not rely on conventional electricity supply, in line with KPKT's encouragement of green energy usage that is being expanded.

"Although this is a product developed by MBMB and will be patented, good things like this need to be shared and expanded to other cities and local authorities so that cleanliness can be controlled more effectively.

"The smart city agenda needs to be a priority for all parties because it not only supports development at the national level but also enhances the competitiveness of cities at the international level," he said.

Meanwhile, Shadan said the smart bin was developed by MBMB members to ensure that tourist hotspots, especially around Bandar Hilir, are always kept clean and well-maintained.

He also said that the use of conventional trash bins often leads to complaints about litter and mess, but this problem can be reduced through the use of smart bins that are more systematic and efficient.

"Currently, eight smart bins have been placed in strategic locations, with seven units around Bandar Hilir and one unit at Dataran MBMB," he added.

-- BERNAMA