SHAH ALAM - The attention is usually on Kuala Lumpur's awe-inspiring high-rise buildings, big cars, and the glamour and glitz of the city's fast life.
However, the city life that attracts thousands of people to gain wealth and career advancement did not make it to the top 3 happiest states in the Happiness Index Survey 2021 conducted by the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia).
It was Negeri Sembilan, Malacca and Perlis.
Nurhidayah Firdaus, 19, from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan said she prefers her hometown Seremban as it is not crowded and with amenities within reach.
"It is a developed city and so convenient as everything is within reach without the bad traffic in KL,” she told Sinar Daily.
There is also a lot to do during weekends at shopping malls and cafes to hang out with friends. Sports enthusiasts are kept busy at swimming pools, there are places to skateboard, and for people of all ages to carry out their activities and mingle.
She said there is something for everyone at this city.
Lavaniya Gopabala Krishnan, 25, said she has been living in Malacca for almost 25 years, and she loves this historic city.
"I am happy in Melaka.
"It is rich with culture, sumptuous food," she told Sinar Daily.
Melaka dubbed a historic city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 20008.
Arau Umno Youth Chief Syed Atif Syed Abu Bakar said he loves Arau, Perlis.
"It is a peaceful state. Living cost is considerably lower than in other states," he said, adding that it has all the amenities people needs such as shops and services.
Furthermore, the crime rate is low and there are adequate public facilities.
"What else do we need to enjoy this wonderful life?” he said.
Syed Atif added people seem to be happier here. Unlike other states, life in the uppermost state of Malaysia is simple and everyone knows one another and "we often catch up with one another".
"Modernisation is often packaged with a higher cost of living. In the end, ordinary villagers, farmers and fishermen are not able to cope with progress and are forced to leave their villages,” he added.
The Happiness Index Survey 2021 conducted by PLANMalaysia saw 41,000 people from districts under 114 local councils (PBT) ask about the services offered by their local authorities, among other aspects.
According to the survey, Negeri Sembilan is at the top likely due to the separation in its functions, in which Seremban is the administrative centre, Port Dickson is the tourist centre and Kuala Pilah, the heritage and culture centre.
Melaka scored 91.97 percent as many initiatives were taken such as smart traffic management or green wave traffic signal control system which reduces time in traffic by 300 percent.
Perlis with a total population of over 254,700 is included in the list after Kangar Municipal Council scored 80.02 percent as its facilities and infrastructure were found to be on par with other states.