MBPJ inks deal to emulate best practices in Japanese sister city

Mohd Azizi (left) and Hayashi at the MoU signing ceremony in Miyoshi, Japan.

PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Miyoshi, its sister city in Japan, that outlines four focus areas – safety, education, culture and urban farming.

The MoU was signed by Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain and Miyoshi mayor Isao Hayashi.

“Each focus area will cover several aspects. We hope this will enable MBPJ to emulate Miyoshi in terms of the best local council practices and community programmes.

“I hope all MBPJ staff and councillors as well as the community will take the opportunity to learn the best practices carried out in Miyoshi, located in Saitama prefecture,” said Mohd Azizi after the signing of the MoU at Miyoshi city hall.

Mohd Azizi (right) trying his hand at pounding rice using a traditional method. Looking on is Hayashi (second from left, in red tie).

To mark the occasion, the Petaling Jaya mayor planted a cherry blossom tree named PJ Friendship Blossom.

He was accompanied by a delegation of 15 MBPJ officers and councillors.

Besides Miyoshi, MBPJ has fostered sister-city relationships with Bandung in Indonesia, Asan and Seong Bok-Gu of South Korea, and Qingyuan of China.