The district of Baling in Kedah has been identified as having the highest rate of happiness in Malaysia, based on the National Happiness Index 2013 survey.

Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan, in a statement yesterday, said the index was part of the Malaysian Urban Rural Indicator Network for Sustainable Development (Murninet) involving 151 local governments in Malaysia.

“The Baling District Council registered 84.62 percent, followed by the Alor Gajah Municipal Council with 81.54 percent and the Pekan and Raub District Councils with 80 percent each,” he said.

The minister said the survey also showed that 90 percent of the local governments recorded moderate levels of happiness of their people, which were between 50 and 79 percent.

Through this survey, the people’s hopes and aspirations for development were identified.

“Happiness is no longer limited to receiving the benefits of development, but also the involvement of the people in the process of physical development, social and economic through empowerment, representation and consultation with residents.

“Improved quality of life can help curb corruption, crime, juvenile delinquency and other social ills,” Abdul Rahman said.

Therefore, he said, the ministry would continue to carry out programmes aimed at improving the people’s well-being.

- Bernama