Selangor looks to AI to boost govt services, efficiency

Selangor is aspiring to become an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven state, integrating AI into government operations and public services to enhance efficiency. State Islamic Affairs and Digital Innovation Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah revealed that the next phase of the state's Smart City agenda will concentrate on leveraging data and AI to shape policies and elevate services.

From 2016 to 2025, Selangor executed 60 initiatives under its Smart City program, incorporating applications and systems to oversee public assistance and establishing digital platforms for city management. The upcoming Second Selangor Plan (2026-2030) aims to transition into AI Cities, which Fahmi envisions as a significant stride for Selangor to pioneer.

By amalgamating data from prevailing systems and applications, AI can translate it into suitable policies, regulations, and guidelines, thereby fostering a truly smart city. Fahmi expressed optimism that Selangor would witness AI systems in use by 2030, although the scale of implementation remains to be determined.

Recognizing the necessity for more efficient service management, Fahmi highlighted that Selangor, spanning 11 times the size of Singapore, requires assistance from approximately 19,000 civil servants. AI can streamline government procedures, scrutinize vast data amounts, and furnish prompt guidance on requisite actions.

To realize an AI City, a centralized digital infrastructure capable of gathering, preserving, and scrutinizing data using cutting-edge AI technology and graphics processing units is paramount. Given that Selangor boasts a 97% 5G coverage, this infrastructure is poised to offer a robust foundation for the initiative.

Among the prospective applications under investigation are AI-powered chatbots and agents that could deliver round-the-clock access to government services, diminishing the reliance on social media or visits to government offices. Furthermore, Selangor is devising 'Teduh' facilities for p-hailing riders, with all local authorities anticipated to possess one by the end of the year.

These facilities aim to offer riders a safe and comfortable respite, complete with closed-circuit television, seating, fans, charging points, and prayer provisions. They will also function as data collection points for the state government to monitor and safeguard the welfare of p-hailing riders.

This endeavor is being pursued in collaboration between the state government, local authorities, p-hailing companies, and agencies such as the Road Transport Department and the police. Fahmi also underscored Selangor's exploration of a Low Altitude Economy, encompassing the utilization of drones for surveillance, delivery services, and experimentation with novel drone technologies.

The state is establishing the Selangor Drone Port 1000 at Universiti Selangor as a hub of expertise to deliberate on policies and regulations encompassing the secure utilization of drones below 1,000 meters.