Putrajaya

Putrajaya, officially known as the Federal Territory of Putrajaya, stands as Malaysia's distinguished administrative and judicial center. Conceptualized in the 1980s by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, its development began in August 1995 with the aim of creating a new federal government hub to alleviate congestion and overcrowding in Kuala Lumpur, the nation's commercial capital [1, 3]. The prime minister's office relocated to Putrajaya in 1999, followed by the judiciary in 2003, and the city was formally declared Malaysia's third federal territory on February 1, 2001 [1, 4].

Designed as an 'Intelligent Garden City,' Putrajaya integrates sophisticated urban planning with natural landscapes, dedicating approximately 38% of its area to green spaces including parks, wetlands, and a prominent man-made lake [2, 3]. This strategic design not only enhances the city's aesthetic appeal but also contributes to environmental sustainability, making it a benchmark for modern and sustainable urban development. Putrajaya is a testament to Malaysian craftsmanship, with the entire project designed and constructed by local companies, utilizing only 10% imported materials [1].

• Putrajaya became Malaysia's third federal territory on February 1, 2001, after Kuala Lumpur (1974) and Labuan (1984) [1].
• The city was named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, with 'Putra' meaning son and 'Jaya' meaning success or victory [1].
• Putrajaya covers a total area of 49 square kilometers (19 square miles) [6, 21].
• As of Q1 2024, the estimated population of Putrajaya is 119,700 [1].
• About 38% of Putrajaya's land area is dedicated to green spaces, including parks, wetlands, and a 600-hectare man-made lake [3, 4].
• The city is situated within Malaysia's Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), a special economic zone [1, 3].
• Putrajaya's postal codes range from 62000 to 62520 [12, 13].
• The city has a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and heavy rainfall year-round, averaging 2307 mm (90.8 inches) of precipitation annually [1].

Putrajaya operates under a unique governance model as a Federal Territory, directly administered by the Federal Government of Malaysia. The local government is the responsibility of the Putrajaya Corporation (Perbadanan Putrajaya), a distinct local authority that oversees the city's development and management [1, 4]. Unlike other states in Malaysia, Putrajaya does not have a territorial legislature, with the Parliament of Malaysia legislating on all matters concerning the territory [1, 19].

Key government ministries and bodies are headquartered in Putrajaya, including the Prime Minister's Office, the Palace of Justice, and numerous other administrative buildings [1, 11]. The city's administration is guided by a comprehensive master plan that prioritizes efficiency, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation. This centralized administrative structure allows for coordinated efforts in urban planning, infrastructure development, and the implementation of smart city initiatives [3].

Putrajaya's economy is primarily driven by its role as Malaysia's federal administrative center, housing numerous government ministries and civil servants [1, 15]. The city's development was a significant national investment, estimated at US$8.1 billion, aimed at creating an efficient administrative hub and a model city [1]. While not a traditional commercial or financial center—a role still largely held by Kuala Lumpur—Putrajaya focuses on facilitating government operations and attracting related investments.

The federal government emphasizes driving economic growth by attracting both local and international investors, with a focus on streamlining processes and expediting approval procedures for investments [14]. There is also a push for digital transformation and smart city initiatives, which are expected to create new economic opportunities and prepare the city for future challenges [18]. Putrajaya's economic landscape is closely tied to public spending and government-led projects, contributing to its stability and continued development [15].

Putrajaya offers a unique business environment shaped by its primary function as Malaysia's administrative capital. The city's development was meticulously planned, leading to robust land-use planning, efficient transportation systems, and modern public amenities [16]. While commercial vibrancy may be less pronounced compared to Kuala Lumpur, the presence of federal government offices creates a stable demand for services, particularly those supporting governmental functions and the resident civil servant population [3, 15].

The city's vision as an 'Intelligent Garden City' and its ongoing transformation into a 'Smart and Green City by 2025' directly influence its business environment [3, 12]. Initiatives focusing on smart transportation, smart infrastructure, and smart government services create opportunities for businesses involved in technology, green solutions, and urban development [12]. The government's emphasis on attracting local and international investors, coupled with efforts to expedite approval processes, further fosters a conducive environment for strategic business ventures [14].

Putrajaya boasts world-class infrastructure, meticulously planned to support its role as the federal administrative capital and a model 'Intelligent Garden City' [1, 13]. The city features a well-developed network of roads and bridges, including iconic structures like the Seri Wawasan Bridge, designed for efficient traffic flow and connectivity [11]. Public transportation is a key component, with services like the KLIA Transit connecting Putrajaya Sentral to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and the MRT Putrajaya Line serving as the city's fifth metro line [1].

Beyond transportation, Putrajaya's infrastructure includes advanced utilities and significant green infrastructure, with 38% of its land dedicated to parks, wetlands, and a large man-made lake that also functions as a natural cooling system and provides recreational amenities [3, 4, 16]. Smart infrastructure initiatives are underway as part of the Putrajaya Smart City Blueprint, aiming to enhance urban capabilities and management efficiency through the integration of digital technologies [12].

Putrajaya is actively positioning itself as a leading 'Smart City,' driven by a vision to integrate advanced technologies for enhanced livability, sustainability, and digital innovation [3, 18]. The city's technological advancements are guided by the Putrajaya Smart City Blueprint, which outlines initiatives across various domains, including smart transportation, smart homes and environment, and smart government services [12]. A core aspect of this transformation is the deployment of a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), specifically LoRa technology, which facilitates long-range, low-power communication for Internet of Things (IoT) devices, such as smart street lighting [17].

Moreover, Putrajaya serves as a living laboratory for smart city innovations, with projects aimed at optimizing municipal operations, improving public safety and security through technology, and developing a vibrant digital economy [12, 18]. The city has also embraced green technology, including the debut of a mobile hydrogen refueling station, as part of Malaysia's broader push towards clean energy and reduced carbon emissions [19, 20]. These technological endeavors aim to create an efficient, connected, and sustainable urban environment.