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Virtual Island of Penang brings smart solutions to urban living

Property News/ 4 October 2025 Leave a comment

vip-launch

Penang has taken another bold step in its digitalisation journey with the launch of the Virtual Island of Penang (VIP), a flagship initiative by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) that aims to strengthen public service delivery and push the state closer to its goal of becoming a smart city.

The VIP system integrates 10 smart modules, developed through years of internal expertise and collaborations with external partners. Some of these modules are the first of their kind in Malaysia, including geotechnical slope monitoring, tree inventory and inspection, as well as weather and disaster management.

MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran described the launch as a reflection of the council’s long-term vision to tackle urban challenges through technology.

“Urbanisation in Malaysia has reached nearly 80%, while in Penang, 93% of residents live in urban areas. This creates challenges such as congestion, housing demand, and sustainability issues. In this context, digitalisation is no longer an option but a necessity,” he said.

Penang’s digital journey, he noted, began over 15 years ago with the Geographical Information System (GIS), which laid the foundation for data-driven urban management. Since then, MBPP has progressively adopted digital solutions, investing about RM30 million in smart city initiatives since 2020.

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Among the pioneering modules are the Geotechnical Slope Monitoring and Control Module, which detects soil movements for early intervention; the Tree Inventory and Inspection Module, powered by AI and remote sensing with over 80% accuracy; and the Weather Monitoring and Disaster Management Module, which delivers real-time alerts and supports emergency planning.

“We have integrated satellite imagery, LiDAR, and predictive as well as generative AI to make these modules more effective and interactive with real-time information. This allows MBPP to respond swiftly with solutions,” Rajendran said, adding that enhancements to CCTV surveillance with features such as vehicle type analysis and number plate recognition are also underway.

While not all modules are public-facing, selected features, including disaster alerts and the location of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), can be accessed through Pearl Apps.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the launch, commended MBPP for leading the initiative and called for broader adoption nationwide.

“With 11 use cases already developed, this platform can expand further to serve the people more effectively. If MBPP has invested RM30 million, it is timely for the Federal Government to allocate funds to empower local councils across Malaysia,” he said.

Chow stressed that digitalisation at the council level would improve service delivery, revenue collection, and urban management while making cities more sustainable and resilient.

“The Virtual Island of Penang is not the end, but the beginning of a continuous journey towards smarter governance,” Rajendran concluded.

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