Madani City: Putrajaya’s New AI-Powered, Sustainable Township Unveiled

Malaysia Unveils ‘Madani City’ in Putrajaya: A High-Tech, Sustainable Urban Model for the Future

Malaysia has officially unveiled plans for Madani City, a futuristic, AI-integrated, and eco-conscious township set to rise in Putrajaya, the country’s federal administrative capital. Announced on Tuesday by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the landmark development is positioned as a model smart city, combining high-density urban living with sustainable planning and next-generation digital infrastructure.

Spanning 102 acres, the project will deliver 10,000 residential quarters to accommodate over 30,000 residents, with Phase 1 targeting delivery by end-2027. A groundbreaking ceremony has been scheduled for June 26, 2025, signaling the federal government’s commitment to fast-tracking this flagship initiative.

🌿 A City Designed Around Madani Values

Madani City is more than just another real estate development — it is conceived as a physical embodiment of Malaysia Madani, the nation-building philosophy championed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The term “Madani” promotes a just, inclusive, and sustainable society rooted in trust, well-being, and progressive governance.

According to Dr Zaliha, Madani City aims to set new benchmarks for liveability, safety, digital innovation, and environmental performance across Malaysia’s urban planning efforts.

“This is a strategic long-term investment in shaping Putrajaya into a model city that embodies Madani values and aligns with the Chase City Vision,” said Dr Zaliha.

The Chase City Vision is the federal government’s blueprint for developing clean, healthy, advanced, safe, and eco-friendly urban centres across Malaysia’s three federal territories: Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan.

🏙️ What to Expect: Vertical, AI-Enhanced, Human-Centred Urbanism

The Madani City masterplan includes:

• 10,000 high-density residential units, to be developed vertically

• Vertical schools, TVET institutions, and financial service centres

• Clinics, police stations, fire departments, and a mosque

• Green mobility systems, such as electric buses and car-free zones

• AI-powered infrastructure to manage energy, waste, security, and traffic

• Public parks and shared green spaces

The integrated design of Madani City reflects a shift in Malaysia’s urban planning paradigm—from land-intensive sprawl to compact, AI-augmented smart living.

Prime Minister Anwar described the development as “the foundation for a low-carbon city that upholds the principles of sustainability, well-being, and public safety.”

📌 Phase 1 Timeline and Milestones

The development will focus on mixed-income quarters, prioritizing public housing and civil servant accommodation while also accommodating private sector professionals.

🧠 Tech-Driven by Design: AI & Digital Infrastructure Integration

Madani City will feature AI-enhanced urban management systems to optimize:

• Energy consumption (smart grids, renewable integration)

• Traffic and mobility (real-time data from sensors and apps)

• Waste management (predictive waste routing)

• Public safety (AI-powered surveillance and emergency response)

• Building maintenance (IoT-based diagnostics)

The city will be supported by high-efficiency broadband networks, smart street lighting, and integrated digital governance systems, positioning it as a national model for AI-enabled urban living.

🚌 Sustainable Mobility and Public Access

To reduce the carbon footprint of residents, Madani City will offer:

• A walkable city core

• Dedicated cycling lanes

• Green EV shuttle loops

• Proximity to Putrajaya’s LRT/MRT lines and expressways

• Car-lite policies in select zones

This aligns with broader goals under the Chase City Vision to decarbonize transportation and promote wellness-focused commuting options in urban Malaysia.

📈 Strategic Importance: A Living Lab for Urban Malaysia

Madani City holds broader national significance. It will serve as:

• A testbed for AI-based public service delivery

• A magnet for smart city investments and talent

• A blueprint for replicable, climate-resilient urban development

• A hub for TVET talent pipelines in smart construction, engineering, and urban tech

Located in Putrajaya—the seat of Malaysia’s federal administration—the township is strategically placed to pilot digital governance models that could be scaled nationwide.

🏘️ Community-Centric Vision: Facilities Near Homes

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that all key public facilities will be “developed close to residential zones,” ensuring daily convenience and improving quality of life. This includes:

• Childcare centres and early education hubs

• TVET colleges and vertical schools

• Clinics, pharmacies, and public health centres

• Places of worship, recreation, and retail

Such compact, walkable planning reflects New Urbanist principles, aimed at fostering tight-knit, socially vibrant, and self-sustaining communities.

🌏 Looking Ahead: Towards a Smart, Equitable Future

Madani City reflects a forward-facing Malaysia, investing in:

• Inclusive growth

• Urban innovation

• Climate resilience

• Digital transformation

With its AI-integrated infrastructure, human-centric design, and sustainability-first mindset, Madani City is set to become a flagship for future cities in Southeast Asia.

As Malaysia heads deeper into the digital age, this initiative offers a glimpse of what cities might—and should—look like: intelligent, inclusive, and green.