Malaysia mandates sinkhole checks and open-space upgrades before new developments

During the 51st National Physical Planning Council, chaired by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Housing and Local Government Ministry mandated that technical assessments of outdated utilities in sinkhole-prone locations be completed before any development consent is issued. The council called on state governments to improve public open-space provision and accelerate the gazettement process to ensure safe, accessible recreation for residents.

It also gave the green light to the Fifth National Physical Plan (RFN5) and the Third National Urbanisation Policy (DPN3), which outline sustainable land use, climate resilience, smart-city implementation across 115 local authorities, and a goal of maintaining at least 50 % forest cover. RFN5 targets 1.6 million hectares of land to support economic growth up to 2040. The meeting reviewed the Draft Putrajaya Structure Plan 2050, aiming for a carbon-neutral city with AI-driven management, and approved the Perlis State Structure Plan 2040, highlighting projects like the Perlis Inland Port and Chuping Valley Industrial Area.