The Introduction of Town and Country Planning in Malaysia

Town and country planning is a subject on the concurrent list in the Federal
Constitution, that is a joint responsibility of the Federal and State Governments.

Ministry of Housing and Local Government

The Federal Department

of Town and Country Planning

State Governments

Local Governments

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

The History of Town Planning in Malaysia

The Department of Town Planning was formed in 1921

First Town Planning Officer is Mr. Charles Compton Reade for the federated
Malay states.

Responsible for projecting the planning schemes, especially in Kuala

Lumpur, Ipoh and Seremban besides other towns in Selangor, Pahang,
Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan and Sabah.

First office located at the Secretariat Building at Jalan Raja Kuala Lumpur.

Vision

To become the centre of excellence for town and country planning services.

To create a quality human living environment in human settlements in

Malaysia
that will become an exemplary model for the world.
DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Objectives

To plan for the advancement and reinforcement of the physical, social, economic
and environmental planning systems so as to ensure the well-being of the people
and to raise the living standards in line with the governments objectives,
particularly that of the National Development Policy and Vision 2020.

To promote and ensure the smooth implementation of the Town and Country
Planning Act 1976 (Act 172) and the Town and Country Planning Act (Act A 933)
so that development plans form the basis for the planning and control of all
land use and development.

To ensure quality of professional expertise and information for the purposes

of long term planning.

To provide advisory planning services to all Government agencies at the

federal, state and local levels.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Function of Federal level:

To establish a comprehensive, effective and efficient planning system through
Planning legislation, planning methodology, planning research, planning standards
and procedures.
To translate national socio-economic policies into physical and spatial terms
through the formulation of related land use and human settlement policies
and programmed.
To provide supervision to ensure smooth and organised planning services
To provide in-service training facilities for all categories of technical personnel
at all levels of planning services.
To provide direct assistance to the state government agencies in the preparation
of Development plans including structure and local plans.
To prepare, maintain and publish statistics, bulletins and methodology in
connection with town and country planning.
To provide rural planning services to the Ministry of Rural Development and
Department of Aboriginal Affairs, particularly the planning of rural growth centres.
DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Functions of State Level

To act as a principal advisor to the State Government on all planning matters

including
use and development of land.

To control development within the State including approval and supervision of

Implementation plans for development.

To advise the Local Planning Authorities on town planning use and development
of land.

To determine broad land use and zoning, and assist in preparing town plans.

To conduct land use surveys and research.

To function as a Secretariat to the State Planning Committee set up under the Town
and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act 172).

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Functions of Local Level

To plan, regulate and control the use and development of land and buildings
within the Local authority area.

To undertake, assist and encourage collection, maintenance and publication of

statistics bulletins, monographs and other publications relating to town and
country planning and its methodology.

To perform other such functions assigned by the State Authority or the State
Planning Committee from time to time.

Town Planning Philosophy:

Balanced Relationship: Man and His Creator; Man and Man; Man and Environment

Total Planning and Development Philosophy:

Holistic Approach
Man as the Focus of Development
Multi-Dimensional Activities
Qualitative and Quantitative Changes
Equity in the Use and Distribution of Resources.
DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Development Planning

Alor Setar Project Office

(Perlis, Kedah, P.Pinang)

Kuala Lumpur Project Office

(Perak, Selangor)

Melaka Project Office

(Melaka, Negeri Sembilan,
Johor)

Kuantan Project Office

(Kelantan, Terengganu
Pahang)

Structure Planning Unit

Coordinates and prepares Structure Plans within the regional framework. The output includes
written statement on policies, long and short terms development strategies, accompanied by maps
And diagrams as required by Part III Sections 8-11 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act
172)
Local Planning Unit
Coordinates and prepares Local Plans. Output includes detailed plans of the study area drawn to
scale. The plans are accompanied by written statements explaining policies and explanation on the
development as required by Part III Section 12-16 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976 (Act
172)
Rural Planning Unit
Prepares layout plans for Aboriginal Re-groupment Schemes, Traditional Villages and New Villages.
Regional Planning Unit
Prepares regional and sub-regional District Development Plans.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

What is Land Use Planning ?

It is the systematic approach / process for identifying, classifying and locating urban land, which is
achieved by analyzing the socioeconomic needs of the population in consideration of the physical
and natural attributes of a city / municipality
Land use planning refers to the rational and approach of allocating available land resources to
different land use activities, (e.g. agricultural, residential, industrial) and for different functions
consistent with the overall development vision/goal of a particular locality.
It entails the detailed process of determining the location and area of land required for the
implementation of social and economic development, policies, plans, programs and projects.

It is based on consideration of physical planning standards, development vision, goals and

objective, analysis of actual and potential physical conditions of land and development constraints
and opportunities.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

What is a Land Use Plan?

An essential component of the comprehensive development plan, it
designated the future use or reuse of the land and the structure built upon the
land within a given jurisdictions planning area and the policies and reasoning
used in arriving at the decisions in the plan

It projects public and private land uses in accordance with the planned spatial
organization of economic and social activities and the traffic of goods and
people

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Objectives of Land Use Planning

1.

To promote the efficient utilization, acquisition and disposition of land as a limited resources;

2.

To make sure there is enough space for our future generations to use and enjoy while
addressing the needs of the present times

3.

To influence, direct and harmonize decisions and activities of the public and the private sectors

affecting the use, management and disposition of lands;

4.

Promote desirable and efficient patterns of land uses and prevent premature and wasteful
development and minimize the cost of public facilities, services and infrastructure;

5.

Protect and preserve valuable agricultural areas consistent with the need to promote

industrialization;
6.

Maintain ecological balance through Control of development in critical areas such as flood
plains and watershed areas;

7.

Integrate programs and projects on land resources development among land development

agencies;
8.

Promote and implement a shelter plan through Identification of sites suitable for housing; and

9.

Promote an efficient circulation system

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Classification of Land Use Planning:

General Land Use Planning:
It deals primarily with the nonurban large scale uses such as: croplands, forests, pasture lands,
mining/quarrying areas and swamplands, with areas occupied by structures treated collectively as built
up areas
Urban Land Use Planning:
It is concerned with the location, intensity and amount of land development required for the various
space using functions such as residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, recreation and other
activities found in the urban areas.
Land Use:
1) General Land use:
Four Major Categories:
Built-up
Agriculture
Forest
Special use

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

2 )Urban Land uses:

Residential
Amount of land depends on the of which new households are formed and on immigration
Commercial
Category includes all types of wholesale, retail and service activities serving areas larger
than neighborhoods.
Included in this category are:
Major Central Business Districts in urbanized areas
Minor Central Business District in less urbanized areas
Highway Service Centers or Commercial Strips such as highway gas stations, traveler's inn
and restaurants
Industrial
It includes manufacturing, refining, fabricating, assembly, storage, parking and other
incidental uses including food processing, cottage industry, sawmills, rice mills, steel mills,
chemical processing plants, etc
Also included are the proposed industrial estates/subdivision

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Institutional
covers the major public and semipublic uses like educational, cultural, religious, health,
protective and government services
Parks/playgrounds
so called non-functional open spaces and includes lands reserved for greenbelts and buffer
zones; and other vacant lands reserved for specific or functional purposes

Parks/Playgrounds and other Recreational Areas the space requirement may be computed with
the use of space standards based on population or area of the municipality or city
Infrastructure/utilities and others

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Factors for Site Selection of Residential buildings

There are many factors which must be taken into account while selecting a site for a commercial and
residential buildings. Some of these factors are given below.
1.

Shape of the plot:

Geometry of the plot for any kind of construction is very important which can largely effect the
appearance of your structure. Shape of the plot should be such that the construction can be easily
made with cost low as possible. And also in the future you can further expand it. A plot with more
routes will be considered a good one.

2. Location of the plot:

The surround area of the residential plot is very important. It effects the price and the beauty of the
plot. Plot should be taken in the area provided with a lot of services. And in a suitable environment free
from all kind of pollutions. Efforts should be make to buy it near to main road. Because such plots are
more valuable as compared to the plots situated away from the main road.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

3. Availability of Amenities:
Plot for a residential building should be taken in the area provided with much number of
amenities. Such as electricity, Telephone, Fax, Internet, Gas, School, Colleges, University etc.
and the most important is the good and fast transport system. so that communication become
more fast and quick.
4. Water table:
The water table at the site of residential building should not be very high. otherwise it will effect
the quality of water which are used for drinking and domestic purposes. A plot with normal water
table will be more preferred as compared with other plots having high
water table.
5. Sewerage System:
There should be proper sewerage system at the site of residential plots. So that the extra water
of houses can easily be drawn out especially in rains and floods. if in case there is no sewerage
system the dirty water effect the building and as well the occupants as well.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

FUNCTIONS OF DIVISIONS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING

MAIN FUNCTION OF THE MANAGEMENT DIVISION
It concerns:
1.

General Administration

2.

Services and nomination

3.

Finances and Store Management

FUNCTION OF THE SECRETARIAL, COORDINATION AND CORPORATE PLANNING DIVISION

Act as the National Physical Planning Council secretary at;
1.

Compile and ensure the execution of the Departments Strategic Management Policy;

2.

Plan and administrate the departments Development Program under Malaysias Five-Year-Plan;

3.

Execute secretarial duties for main meetings;

4.

Execute the duties of Information Sharing, Publicity and Public Relations; and

5.

Administer the nomination of consultants.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

FUNCTION OF THE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

Continually increase the quality of Urban & Rural Planning services through research study and
subsequently producing reference documentation such as Benchmarks, Guidelines and Planning Advice
for planning and development of urban & rural areas.

MAIN FUNCTION OF THE LEGAL, PLANNING AND REGULATORY DIVISION

Advisory and consultancy services concerning urban & rural planning.
Update legal aspect regulatory systems through checks and formulation of Acts, Methods,
Implementation Guidelines, Manuals, Encyclopedias, Monographs and publications on town & country
planning.
Consideration & monitoring of rational interest in planning exercise.

Enhance the effective ness of delivery system in PBPT concerning urban & rural planning practices.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

FUNCTION OF THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIVISION

1.

Planning, managing, administrating information system and maintenance of database.

2.

Develop, control and oversee the information technology functions of the whole department.

3.

Plan, manage and maintain computer system networks, hardware and software.

4.

Prepare specialized input for Information Technology and Communication concerning urban and rural
planning.

FUNCTION OF THE NATIONAL PHYSICAL PLAN DIVISION

1.

Summarize strategic & integrated land use framework through preparation, monitoring,
implementation as well as revision of the National Physical Plan, National Urbanisation Policy,
Integrated Land Development and National Planning Policy.

2.

To prepare and monitor the implementation and review the National Physical Plan (NPP) and National
Urbanization Policy (NUP);

3.

To manage the information system of NPP, NUP and LR and to design related application modules;

4.

To formulate policy and program; as well as to prepare studies related to the implementation of Land
Readjustment Projects(LR);

5.

To give input in the formulation of policies and respond to global and international agenda;

6.

To give input when addressing strategic issues; and

7.

To prepare the National Rural Planning Policy (RPP)

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

FUNCTION OF THE REGIONAL PLANNING DIVISION

1.

Execute secretarial tasks for the Regional Planning Committee.

2.

Prepare comprehensive regional planning.

3.

Execute tasks involving planning and overseeing the developments of Cyberjaya, National
Administration Center Sarawak and Island Development Research.

4.

Tasks of the Regional Planning Committee based on sub-section 6A(5) Act 172.

5.

Advice and assist the State Planning Committee and Local Planning Authorities within the
concerned region in line with the national policy.

6.

Create comprehensive policies and frameworks for regional planning to drive and
administer the development of the region.

7.

Plan and administer the preparation of infrastructure and facilities for the region.

8.

Create processes and consistent code-of-conduct for the use of the Federal Government
and State Government as well as the Local Authorities within the region.

9.

Monitor the execution of benchmarks, guidelines and codes-of-conduct in facilitating the

development of the region.

10. Conduct necessary research for the planning of the region.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

FUNCTION OF THE PROJECT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

The Project Administration Office is responsible for planning, controlling, administrating and
oversee physical & financial progress of development plans preparation.
FUNCTION OF NATIONAL LAND USE INFORMATION DIVISION (NLiD)
1.

To manage and coordinate database. Manage data collection, verify, standardise, storage
and sharing geospatial data

2.

To manage and coordinate data sharing between all divisions and project offices

3.

To manage data applications from government agencies and private sectors

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

FUNCTION OF SOUTH REGION DEVELOPMENT PLANNING DIVISION

1.

2.
3.

4.

To plan and execute program in the Development Plans in order for the South Region
Development Planning Division which includes studies such as States Structure Plan, Local Plan,
Local District Plan and Special Specific Area Plan.
To manage the physical progress, its financial and the quality input from the consultant,
including the secondary and technical support.
To developed program lists and make the cost budget estimation for Development Plan studies
for the five years Malaysian Plan
To execute the improvisation of skills in aspects of planning and the management professionalism
including also in ICT and e-government sector.

5.

To plan and execute all the improvisation in quality programs and also in upgrading the
procedures of Manual of Local Plans and the Evaluation Program.
6. To develop and upgrade the planning information system for the relevant zone via the proper
preparation of Development Plans.
7. To provide advise and expertise services in the development studies being carried out by other
agencies which involved other areas within the relevant zone.
8. To manage and coordinate the administration matters under the Development Planning Division
for that particular zone.
9. To manage any customer complaints and general aspects which are related to the southern
regional town and country planning for the south zone.
10. To get involved together in the committee member at the federal and state level in giving
planning services among numerous agencies involved.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

FUNCTION OF NORTHERN REGION DEVELOPMENT PLANNING DIVISION

1.

To prepare and implement development project studies undertaken including statutory plans, non
statutory plans for states in northern zone (Penang, Kedah and Perlis) State Structural Plans, District
Local plans and special action area plan and rural plan incorporating physical, financial and input
from consultant / professional and technical services. Development Budget (p43) for Malaysia 5-year
Plan, Mid-term studies and annual project budget.

2.

To create an update planning information system for Northern Planning Zone by development plan
studies.

3.

4.

implement programme for the staff to upgrade themselves at managerial levels especially in
IT and e-government

plan and implement programme towards enhancing quality and procedures including the
preparation of guidelines and manual for Action Area Plan and Publicity and Public
Participation

To manage and monitor the administration of Northern Zone Project office

Administrative budget (B43) for quality administrative activities , procedures, human

resources training and assets

offer advice / professional services in physical studies to agencies associated with the
northern office

To responds to feedbacks and complaints from clients regarding services given by the staff.

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM

Thank you

DR ZAHARAH MOHD YUSOFF-UiTM SHAH ALAM