In line with this objective of enhancing the city-living environment, the city must be functional, liveable and impart a sense of community and belonging. In addition, the city must also provide a clean, healthy, safe and caring environment that caters to the needs of all stakeholders.

To this end, Iskandar Malaysia plans not only for the current needs of the population but also for the future, ensuring that inter-generational equity is also sensitively addressed. The urbanisation rate in Johor in 2005 was 66.5% which was the sixth highest in the country. Johor Bahru is the focal point within the state and it is fast expanding within the South Johor conurbation.

• Integration of low cost housing developments with other types of housing developments to give residents common facilities and environment and reduce social marginalization.
• Provision of rental homes to transient population
• A detailed register of data, including income levels, affordability and location preferences of special needs group must be kept and constantly updated to match up with residential units offered in the market.
• New housing developments should incorporate the needs of the disabled in the units allocated to them. These include sizes of doors, ramps for external areas, height of light switches, and hand rails for bathrooms and toilets.

• Creation of neighbourhood structures that promote a sense of belonging among the local community
• Design of new developments and redevelopment of housing areas shall refer and conform to guidelines of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED).
• The Green Building rating shall be used and implemented to encourage builders to build energy efficient buildings, including residential units, and to introduce energy efficient mechanisms in older or existing buildings in the city.