There are no mega shopping malls, traffic congestion is not part of the daily routine, and life moves at a gentler pace.
Yet these are among the very qualities that give Mersing, a coastal district, its own distinctive definition of happiness.
For Kluang and Simpang Renggam, meanwhile, well-being is reflected in public amenities, infrastructure, economic opportunities, safety and the delivery of services that support everyday life.
Despite their different backgrounds and strengths, the three towns in Johor demonstrate that the happiness of a town’s residents is not measured solely by rapid development and modernity.
It also depends on a balance between work and life, a safe environment, strong community ties and development that meets the needs of its people.
Mersing, Kluang and Simpang Renggam were among the 10 recipients of the 2026 Happiest Towns Award, conferred by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government last April.
Also making the list were Dabong in Kelantan; Kuala Terengganu, Marang and Permaisuri in Terengganu; Lipis and Raub in Pahang; and Ranau in Sabah.
MERSING: A ‘QUIET OLD-TIME’ DISTRICT THAT SOOTHES
Located about 136 kilometres from Johor Bahru, Mersing is often perceived as a small, quiet and ‘old-fashioned’ district.
But beneath that perception lies a coastal town with a rhythm and character of its own.
The activities of the fishing community, boats coming and going from the jetty, and the arrival of tourists are all part of the district’s daily life.
Mersing is also a gateway to a string of islands, including Pulau Aur, Pulau Tinggi, Pulau Besar, Pulau Pemanggil and Pulau Sibu, as well as Pulau Tioman in Pahang.
The lifestyle of its people is also shaped by East Coast traditions, reflected not only in their dialect and food such as nasi dagang, keropok lekor and satar, but also in pastimes such as dam soksek, a board game similar to dam haji that is commonly played in the evenings.
For some residents, happiness may simply mean strolling along the beach and enjoying the sea breeze, fishing, or spending time with family and friends.
That slower pace of life has become part of Mersing’s identity, something that needs to be preserved amid the demands of development.
A “HEALING HAVEN”, NOT A RACE FOR DEVELOPMENT
Mersing District Council president Abdul Karim Bakar said happiness was subjective and meant different things to different people.
As such, development in the district was being carried out with the needs of the community in mind, without sacrificing its identity and natural advantages.
He said attention was also given to safety, the safe-town concept and low-carbon initiatives, as well as basic amenities such as drainage systems, waste management and roads under the supervision of the local authority.
“For some people, happiness means having shopping malls and entertainment, but we want to keep Mersing as it is so that people have the option of coming here to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature,” he told Bernama.
Abdul Karim described Mersing as a “healing haven” offering “peace of mind”, including roads that are generally free from heavy congestion except during festive seasons and long holidays.
At the same time, he said, responding to public complaints and maintaining close ties between the local authority, community, council members and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were important to continuously improve the quality of services.
COMMUNITY AT THE HEART OF HAPPINESS
In Kampung Bahagia/Sri Lumpur, a strong sense of togetherness is among the factors that make residents feel comfortable living in the area.
Kampung Bahagia/Sri Lumpur head Daing Ibrahim Yacob said local harmony was maintained through close community ties and cooperation among various agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS), Rukun Tetangga (KRT) and National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK).
However, he said efforts to improve residents’ well-being must continue, particularly by strengthening the local economy and systematically improving infrastructure and basic amenities.
For Md Deiah Idris, 67, who has lived there since 1989, close neighbourhood ties have made everyday life more meaningful.
“I am happy because my family lives nearby, and many of my neighbours are also relatives. We also often rent boats and go island-hopping together. It is really enjoyable,” she said.
Husband-and-wife Mohd Yassin Mohd Lazim, 72, and Zainab Abu Bakar, 73, who hail from Pulau Pemanggil and have lived in the village for more than 20 years, shared a similar view.
“We feel comfortable because the village is peaceful and harmonious, and everyone is a good neighbour. So far, there have been no problems with criminal activities here,” said Mohd Yassin, a father of six.
TOURISM GROWS, BUT TRANQUILLITY REMAINS
Mersing’s tranquillity does not mean its economy has come to a standstill.
Siti Najdah Shaik Omar, 51, a trader at Mersing Jetty, said the arrival of tourists, particularly from Singapore and China, had picked up again following the end of the Northeast Monsoon in March.
She said items such as souvenirs, keychains, dry bags, slippers and waterproof phone cases, as well as clothing, pareos, accessories and sunglasses, were among the popular purchases before tourists continued their journey to the islands.
Some tourists even make last-minute purchases after items ordered through e-commerce platforms fail to arrive in time.
“So, we take note of the types of products customers need and stock them according to demand,” she said.
At the same time, however, locals do not want tourism development in Mersing to come at the expense of what makes the district special.
Mersing Tourism Association (MTA) secretary Ahmad Firdaus Shaik Omar said the district was not pursuing large-scale tourism, but rather seeking to strike a balance between visitor numbers and the well-being of the local community.
He said Mersing offered a variety of attractions, including island-hopping, snorkelling, scuba diving and scenic islands, as well as about 125 beaches that serve as important tourism assets.
However, the association rejected the concept of mass tourism, which it viewed as potentially putting pressure on the area’s carrying capacity — the maximum number of tourists that can be accommodated at any one time — and disrupting its tranquillity.
Instead, it favours gradual and controlled tourism growth.
According to Ahmad Firdaus, the presence of marine parks and national parks with rich biodiversity further strengthens Mersing’s position as a nature-based tourism destination, including among European visitors.
HAPPINESS DOES NOT HAVE TO MEAN “PERFECT”
Being recognised as a happy town does not necessarily mean Mersing is “perfect” in every respect.
Dutch tourist Jantine De Jong, 35, praised the district for its good food and attractive scenery, but said there was still room for improvement.
On her second visit to Mersing, where she stayed overnight after returning from Pulau Tioman, she said the district could offer more attractions at night.
“There is no night market near the jetty, and you cannot swim at the beach, so it feels more like being at a harbour than a jetty,” she said.
Her observations highlight one of Mersing’s challenges: improving facilities and the visitor experience without compromising the tranquillity that defines the district.
Besides the environment and community, safety is another important element in creating a sense of comfort for both residents and tourists.
Mersing District Police chief Supt Abdul Razak Abdullah Sani said public safety and security remained at a good level, with a low crime rate enabling economic and social activities to proceed smoothly.
He said a continuous police presence through Mobile Patrol Vehicles (MPVs) and Motorcycle Patrol Units (URBs) helped enhance the community’s sense of safety and tourists’ confidence.
Community cooperation through school and mosque liaison officers, KRT and SRS also strengthened crime prevention and awareness efforts, helping to prevent members of the public from becoming victims.
KLUANG AND SIMPANG RENGGAM OFFER DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS
If Mersing stands out for its natural tranquillity and coastal community lifestyle, Kluang and Simpang Renggam offer a different definition of happiness, supported by public amenities, economic opportunities and services that meet residents’ needs.
Kluang District Officer Azurawati Wahid said the achievement of the two local authorities under her administration — Kluang Municipal Council (MPK) and Simpang Renggam District Council (MDSR) — in making the list of the 10 happiest towns was the result of concerted efforts by various parties, including government agencies, local communities and the private sector.
She said happiness should not be measured solely in material terms, but should also encompass a balance in daily life, a harmonious environment and opportunities for people to enjoy a better quality of life.
“A less congested and more relaxed lifestyle, as well as a balance between work and life, also contributes to the mental and physical well-being of residents,” she said.
She said adequate basic amenities, public facilities and good infrastructure also played an important role in strengthening social networks within the community, thereby creating a stronger sense of belonging among residents.
“This achievement reflects a shared commitment and collective effort to ensure that physical development, economic progress and service delivery are carried out in a balanced manner to create a sustainable and prosperous urban environment,” she said.
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES SUPPORT WELL-BEING
Azurawati said various initiatives had been and were continuing to be implemented by the local authorities together with relevant departments and agencies to strengthen residents’ well-being in both areas.
These include the Kluang Sustainable Community Programme, low-carbon initiatives, Car-Free Day, recycling programmes and the implementation of the Smart Town agenda, with a focus on using technology in urban management.
Public services have also been strengthened through free Bas Muafakat Johor services and mobile counters, alongside efforts to transform public spaces into community activity hubs to encourage social interaction and healthy lifestyles.
Under MPK, popular locations include Laman Rel Mahkota, Laman Kreatif, Laman Komuniti, Laman Pesona, Taman Tasik and Taman Rekreasi Gunung Lambak.
In Simpang Renggam, facilities include Laman Simpang Renggam, Taman Hutan Bandar and the Tunku Mahkota Ismail Youth Centre (TMIYC) Renggam, alongside landscaping and mural projects aimed at creating a more conducive and safer environment.
According to Azurawati, residents’ well-being is also supported through access to healthcare, education, security, religious, sports and recreational facilities available to all segments of society.
JOBS, COST OF LIVING ALSO SHAPE HAPPINESS
Beyond physical amenities, Azurawati said educational and employment opportunities were important factors influencing quality of life, particularly in ensuring that young people have opportunities to build their future in their home district.
Kluang has several skills-based and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, including Kluang Vocational College, Kluang Community College, GIATMARA and private institutions.
She said employment opportunities were available in line with the district’s economic potential and strengths, particularly in agriculture, manufacturing and services.
At the same time, a manageable cost of living contributes to a better life balance, while active community participation in programmes and initiatives organised by the government, private sector and NGOs helps maintain harmony and strengthen social ties.
RECOGNITION COMES WITH CHALLENGES
However, Azurawati said recognition as a happy town did not mean there was no room for improvement, as the local authorities continued to face various challenges that required sustained attention.
Key challenges include urban cleanliness, maintenance of public facilities and infrastructure, customer service efficiency and rising costs.
On cleanliness, she said solid waste management needed to be strengthened alongside greater public awareness of the importance of keeping the environment clean and effective enforcement measures.
There was also a continuing need to upgrade and maintain roads, drainage systems, street lighting and recreational facilities to ensure residents’ safety and comfort.
Rising maintenance costs, expanding infrastructure networks and larger service areas also posed challenges for local authorities in meeting the needs of the community.
Customer service also remained a priority, particularly in ensuring faster, more efficient and responsive delivery in addressing public complaints and needs.
This includes strengthening online complaint systems, improving service delivery and digital payment efficiency, and enhancing communication between local authorities and the community.
KEEPING CITIES HAPPY REQUIRES CONTINUED EFFORT
To maintain the achievement, Azurawati said emphasis would continue to be placed on holistic and sustainable urban and rural development.
These efforts include expanding the use of smart technology, improving infrastructure maintenance, preserving environmental sustainability and enhancing service delivery efficiency.
However, efforts to sustain well-being cannot rest solely with the government and local authorities.
They require the continued involvement of the community to ensure that responsibility for caring for towns and villages is shared by all.
Meanwhile, Kluang District Police chief ACP Bahrin Mohd Noh said a good level of safety was also an important factor contributing to the well-being of a town.
He said crime rates involving offences such as theft, robbery and vandalism remained low as a result of cooperation between the police and the local community.
“Strong neighbourhood ties and community cooperation help ensure that the situation remains safe and harmonious,” he said.
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