Ipoh named a developing smart city in Malaysia Smart City Rating 2026

Ipoh has been recognised as a developing smart city in the Malaysia Smart City Rating 2026. The Ipoh City Council received the Level 2 “Developing Smart City” recognition on 28 October.

The rating places Ipoh among Malaysian cities making measurable progress in digital governance and urban management. It signals that the city is moving beyond basic digitisation towards smarter public services.

For residents, the recognition matters because it reflects the council’s growing use of online platforms. These include digital payments, licensing, parking, permits and service requests.

Ipoh City Council says the achievement supports its wider goal of improving liveability, efficiency and quality of life. The council announced the recognition on 4 November.

What the smart city rating means

The Malaysia Smart City Rating assesses how well cities use technology, data and digital services. It measures progress across governance, economy, mobility, environment, living standards and people.

Level 2, or “Developing Smart City”, indicates that Ipoh has built a foundation for smart-city development. It is not yet the highest rating, but it shows the city is progressing beyond the early stage.

For residents, the label should eventually mean more services that can be handled online. It also suggests greater use of data to plan services, manage assets and respond to urban issues.

The recognition does not mean every council process is fully digital. It is a benchmark showing where Ipoh stands and where further improvements are expected.

Digital services residents already use

Ipoh residents can already access several council services online. These include e-Payment, e-Check and e-Print, e-Licence, e-Supplier and the OSC 3 Plus Online planning system.

The council also offers MyTiket@MBI for service tickets, MyGred for assessment records, and MyNoRisk for risk-related reporting. These platforms reduce the need for residents to visit council counters for basic transactions.

Parking is another area where digital tools are available. The Park@Perak platform supports parking-related services, while IpohGo helps users navigate travel and city information.

MBI has also been strengthening its internal digital work culture. The council held an ICT briefing series on 29 October to improve staff understanding of digital tools and work processes.

What residents can expect next

A developing smart-city status should encourage MBI to expand online services and improve data use. Residents may see smoother payments, faster service tracking and better access to council information.

The council’s digital push also supports its broader urban agenda. Ipoh has been promoting low-carbon initiatives, including its 89th Ipoh Low Carbon Day held on 26 October.

Smart-city progress can support these efforts by helping councils monitor energy use, traffic, waste and public facilities. Better data can also help planners identify where services need improvement.

Residents should follow MBI’s official website and social media channels for updates on new digital services. The council’s main office is at Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, Greentown, 30450 Ipoh.

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