She said advanced surveillance technology will provide a “bird’s eye view” of cities, adding that she told Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Putrajaya Corporation to explore such technology.

Zaliha said her visit to Shenzhen, China, last October demonstrated the importance of data-driven decision-making after she saw a district council with smart city operations that were far more advanced than in Kuala Lumpur.

“Their success is due to their extensive and comprehensive data collection. There are lessons we can learn from them,” she said during an event here.

On another note, she said her ministry is working to realise Labuan’s potential as a federal territory by attracting more investments.

According to Zaliha, starting this year, Labuan will diversify beyond its reliance on the oil and gas sector to focus on industries such as tourism as a new economic driver.

She said she is committed to developing Labuan and is currently reviewing the business model for the proposed Menumbok-Labuan bridge.

She added that RM500,000 has been allocated to examine various aspects of the bridge, including the feasibility of the project.

The bridge between Labuan and mainland Sabah is estimated to be 17.5km long. It is expected to ease travel and foster economic and social growth in the region.

Travel between Labuan and mainland Sabah is now only served by ferries.