MELAKA has taken a major step forward in its digital transformation journey with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), witnessed by Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Utama Ab. Rauf Yusoh.
The agreement, formalised on Friday, marks a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating the implementation of the Melaka Smart City initiatives under the Blueprint Melaka Pintar 2035.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil expressed gratitude to both the Melaka state government and MCMC for their commitment to advancing smart city development.
He noted that the partnership would bring significant benefits to the residents of Melaka, particularly in terms of improving connectivity, public services, and economic opportunities.
“This collaboration aligns with the objectives of the Melaka Smart Blueprint 2035, guiding the state’s digital transformation towards sustainable, liveable, and resilient urban development,” he said.
“Through this MoU, key initiatives will be implemented, including the development of smart connectivity infrastructure, enhancements to public safety and traffic management through the Melaka Network Operation and Command Centre, tourism management using smart technologies, and flood management via early-warning systems and IoT sensors.”
The agreement will see the expansion of high-speed public Wi-Fi, installation of smart poles, and the rollout of extensive fibre optic networks to ensure comprehensive connectivity across the state.
In addition, it aims to strengthen public safety and improve urban traffic flow while integrating smart solutions into heritage tourism management.
Fahmi emphasised that the implementation of smart city initiatives has the potential to enhance quality of life, streamline public service delivery, boost urban mobility, and stimulate the local economy.
He cited global examples where technology has transformed city management: Barcelona reduced traffic congestion by 20 per cent using smart traffic lights, Hangzhou improved ambulance response times by 50 per cent through its AI-driven ‘City Brain’ system, and Seoul accelerated emergency responses by 20 per cent with over one million smart sensors deployed across the city.
“The experiences of these cities demonstrate how smart city initiatives can tangibly improve citizens’ lives, public service efficiency, traffic management, and heritage tourism,” he said.
The MoU also aims to drive local economic growth by supporting tourism, retail, logistics, and small and medium enterprises, creating a more conducive environment for investment.
The partnership provides the digital infrastructure foundation required for long-term urban transformation, strengthening Melaka’s position as a globally competitive smart state.
MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din expressed the commission’s commitment to working closely with the Melaka government to ensure the success of the smart city agenda, highlighting the importance of inclusive and sustainable development that benefits all residents.
The signing ceremony was attended by key state and federal officials, including the Deputy Chief Secretary for Telecommunications Infrastructure, Mano Verabathran, and Melaka State Executive Councillor for Science, Technology, Innovation, and Digital Communication, Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan.
Through this strategic collaboration, Melaka aims to become a model Digital Heritage City, combining technological innovation with sustainable development and cultural preservation, while delivering tangible benefits to citizens and businesses alike. - December 12, 2025
