PUTRAJAYA, 20 March 2025 – The Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, officiated the National-Level Celebration of the International Day of Happiness 2025 at the Crystal Hall, Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), yesterday evening.
Themed “Care and Togetherness #For the Motherland,” this annual celebration, held every 20 March, aims to recognize the connection between physical, social, and environmental development in ensuring the happiness and well-being of people worldwide. At the national level, the happiness level of residents within Local Authority (PBT) areas is measured through the Happiness Index under the Malaysian Urban-Rural Sustainable Indicators Network (MURNInets) program, overseen by KPKT through PLANMalaysia.
The Happiness Index assesses residents’ well-being based on aspects such as health, mental and physical well-being, and the quality of services provided by PBTs, including environmental cleanliness, solid waste management, and efficient waste collection.
Out of 153 PBTs across Peninsular Malaysia, the Federal Territories (Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, and Labuan), Sabah, and Sarawak participating in the Happiness Index Study, 115 cities (75%) achieved “happy” status, while 38 cities (25%) were classified as “moderately happy.”
During the ceremony, YB Nga Kor Ming presented the 20 Happiest City Awards for 2025, categorized as follows:
Happiest City (District Council Category)
i. Lipis Town, Pahang
ii. Cameron Highlands, Pahang
iii. Kuala Krai Town, Kelantan
iv. Bandar Baharu, Kedah
v. Kuala Pilah Town, Negeri Sembilan
vi. Jerantut Town, Pahang
vii. Jelebu Town, Negeri Sembilan
viii. Telupid Town, Sabah
Happiest City (City Council/Municipal Category)
i. Bintulu Town, Sarawak
ii. Temerloh Town, Pahang
iii. Johor Bahru City, Johor
iv. Royal Klang City, Selangor
v. Port Dickson Town, Negeri Sembilan
vi. Jasin Town, Melaka
vii. Pontian Town, Johor
viii. Ampang Jaya Town, Selangor
ix. Batu Pahat Town, Johor
x. Historic Melaka City, Melaka
xi. Petaling Jaya City, Selangor
xii. Putrajaya City, Federal Territory of Putrajaya
The Minister also launched the Malaysia Urban Happiness Report 2025, which details the Happiness Index achievements across 14 measured domains under MURNInets. This report serves as a vital reference for State Authorities and PBTs to identify areas for improvement in enhancing residents’ well-being.
Data reveals that Malaysia’s Happiness Index has risen by 5 points over the past five years, from 83.34% in 2020 to 88.84% in 2025. This initiative aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and supports the Malaysia MADANI agenda to create happy, prosperous, sustainable, and safe cities.
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