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KOTA KINABALU: Telupid assemblyman Datuk Jonnybone Kurum remains optimistic about the district’s recognition as one of the happiest in Malaysia, despite public scepticism as to whether the title reflects the reality on the ground.
The Malaysia Happiness Index 2025 ranked Telupid, located in central Sabah, among the country’s happiest district councils, alongside Lipis (Pahang), Kuala Krai (Kelantan), Bandar Baharu (Kedah), Kuala Pilah (Negri Sembilan), Jerantut (Pahang) and Jelebu (Negri Sembilan).
Some residents have voiced doubts, arguing that Telupid remains underdeveloped and lacks essential infrastructure.
Kurum admitted he is unaware of the criteria used to assess the district’s happiness level.
“This indicator falls under the responsibility of the relevant agency. Honestly, I do not know the exact assessment guidelines used.
“I only just found out that Telupid has been declared a ‘Happy Town’. I am currently requesting a detailed report from District Council officers because I would also like to know the criteria,” he said when contacted yesterday.
While waiting for the details, he welcomed the recognition nonetheless, adding that he is proud of it.
He believes that the ranking may be based more on social factors, safety and natural environment, rather than infrastructure development.
“If it is about development, we know it is still ongoing and in progress,” said Kurum.
The Malaysia Happiness Index 2025 was announced by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming during the National World Happiness Day celebration on Thursday, where it highlighted that 75% of towns in Malaysia had achieved a “happy” level, reflecting ongoing efforts to create a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Putrajaya was named the Happiest City in the municipal and city council category.
Meanwhile, in the happiest municipal and city council category, top-ranking areas included Bintulu (Sarawak), Temerloh (Pahang), Johor Baru (Johor), Klang (Selangor), Port Dickson (Negri Sembilan), Jasin (Melaka), Pontian (Johor), Ampang Jaya (Selangor), Batu Pahat (Johor), Melaka and Petaling Jaya (Selangor).
Nga said based on a survey involving 153 local authorities, the Malaysia Happiness Index had increased by 5.5 points over the last five years, from 83.34% in 2020 to 88.84% in 2025.
The Happiness Index measurement was introduced in 2015 under the MURNInets system, which evaluates factors such as stress levels, health, family relationships and satisfaction with local amenities and services.
Located about 200km from Kota Kinabalu, Telupid covers 2,210.25sq km and has a population of nearly 30,000 across five sub-districts: Ulu Labuk, Pekan, Liwogu, Nangoh and Sapi.
Telupid serves as a transit town for travellers between Sabah’s east and west coasts and is part of the Heart of Borneo initiative, an international conservation effort aimed at preserving Borneo’s tropical rainforests.
