Jagdeep (centre) and Yew (fourth from right) with MBPP retirees who received certificates of appreciation at the event in Bayan Lepas. – Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
MUCH has improved in terms of integrity and transparency in local governance since Harjit Singh Sundar Singh joined the Penang Island Municipal Council in 1984.
Harjit, 61, served for 38 years before retiring from his position as an internal auditor for Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
“During the old days, there was a lot of manual work and calculations.
“Up to nine out of 10 expenses had suspicious elements, as they lacked details.
“Today, with everything computerised, there is far less (potential for) corruption,” said Harjit.
A former state hockey player, he currently coaches the city council’s dragon boat team.
Harjit was among 227 council staff members who were honoured at MBPP’s Excellent Service Awards 2022 event held at Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
At the event, enforcement officer Wan Rozanna Mohamed Ismail, 43, received the award for the second time.
She said the city council still encountered stubborn offenders who refuse to admit wrongdoing when caught committing minor offences.
“Many give various excuses when they are caught.
Harjit, who recently retired as an internal auditor, says computerisation has eliminated a lot of manual work at the city council.
“Thankfully, we have CCTV cameras installed in several places (for evidence),” said Wan Rozana who has served MBPP for 20 years.
She first received the award in 2008.
Each recipient was given RM1,000 for their outstanding service.
Penang Island mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said apart from cash, each recipient also received a certificate and the opportunity to attend courses, seminars and conferences.
“I hope with such recognition, all of you will continue giving excellent service to MBPP for many years to come,” he said in his speech.
“We also hope that we can see more MBPP employees receive this yearly award.”
State housing, local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the ceremony recognised staff’s sacrifices and hard work.
“Frontliners will always be appreciated for their dedication.
“Congratulations to the team for maintaining the city council’s five-star rating among all local authorities and assisting us to maintain order during the pandemic.
“You also helped implement our green and smart initiatives such as the Penang smart parking system, the installation of solar panels at our agencies and planting of more trees,” he said.
A total of 78 staff members who had retired were honoured with a certificate of appreciation.
About 50 who volunteered during the recent floods in Johor also received certificates.
