Johor Bahru: Malaysia's First "Leading Smart City" and Its Challenges

On October 28, 2025, Johor Bahru (JB) was designated as Malaysia's first "leading smart city," surpassing Kuala Lumpur in the implementation of advanced technologies aimed at improving urban living. The Johor Bahru Integrated Operations Control Centre (JBIOCC) plays a pivotal role in this initiative, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor traffic flow, detect potholes, and enhance public safety through real-time surveillance from 555 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Dr. Choo Kok Wah, the commander of JBIOCC, emphasized that the AI system allows for quicker responses to urban issues, such as garbage disposal and traffic congestion.

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The JBIOCC, established at a cost of over RM105 million (approximately S$33 million), is designed to address three primary concerns: traffic congestion, security, and city management. The AI system can adjust traffic light timings to alleviate jams and assist law enforcement in solving crimes through facial and vehicle recognition technologies. In contrast, Kuala Lumpur's City Hall remains at a level one "smart city early adopter" status, indicating that it is still in the planning stages of adopting similar technologies.

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Despite the technological advancements, experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of JB's smart city status. Associate Professor Mohd Fadhil Md Din from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia noted that the rating reflects capability rather than actual outcomes, as residents continue to face persistent issues like traffic congestion, delayed waste pickups, and river pollution. Dr. Shuhana Shamsuddin, president of the Malaysian Urban Design Association, cautioned that smart city initiatives must be integrated with urban design that considers local needs and environmental factors.

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Feedback from JB residents indicates a lack of awareness regarding the digital tools available to them. The flood-warning app, Saifon, has only been downloaded 250 times since its launch in 2023. Many residents, such as Derek Tan and Azrin Zainal, expressed unfamiliarity with the city's online resources, preferring to use popular navigation apps like Waze instead. Complaints lodged through the city council's online platforms often receive slow responses, leading to skepticism about the utility of these technological solutions.

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While Johor Bahru's designation as a "leading smart city" marks a significant step in Malaysia's urban development, the challenges of infrastructure and public engagement remain critical. Analysts suggest that the city must address these underlying issues to ensure that technology translates into tangible improvements in residents' quality of life. The ongoing evolution of JB's smart city framework will require a concerted effort to integrate technology with effective governance and community involvement.

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• “This command centre helps us in solving three main issues often faced in JB: traffic congestion, security, and city management,” — Dr. Choo Kok Wah, Commander of JBIOCC

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• “Reality check: the rating recognises capability, not outcomes,” — Associate Professor Mohd Fadhil Md Din, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

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• “My main concern is that in Malaysia we treat smart city as the end, rather than means to the end,” — Dr. Shuhana Shamsuddin, President of the Malaysian Urban Design Association

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