Rajendran (left) says MBPP’s emphasis has to be about the people. — Photos: KT GOH, LIM BENG TATT and CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
COMPLEXITIES of an ageing population, urban congestion and cleanliness are among formidable challenges facing Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
For mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, the question is not how to address these immediate problems, but rather to reimagine a city that not only meets the needs of today, but is also poised for sustainability and vibrancy for generations to come.
“Penang island is a saturated city with limited space for expansion, aside from identified reclamation areas where development plans are already in place.
“Given these constraints, we are actively looking into minimising the challenges affecting Penangites daily.
Vehicles stopped willy-nilly.
“For example, when tackling traffic congestion problems, we are faced with issues such as narrow streets, capacity issue and public attitude.
“The narrow streets, particularly in George Town’s inner city, exacerbate our capacity issues.
“Traffic often exceeds road limits, causing congestion especially during school and public holidays.
“On top of that, poor public habits – like haphazard parking and roadside stops – further intensify the problem,” he said.
Keeping things smooth
To tackle the issue, MBPP will introduce “no waiting zones” on certain sections of five key roads, following an internal study.
The roads identified are Weld Quay, Jalan Jelutong, Jalan Burmah, Jalan Macalister and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
Rajendran said warnings and summonses alone had not been enough.
During peak hours and holidays, a five-minute stop by the roadside could spiral into a massive queue, disrupting traffic flow.
“That is why we are moving towards full-time enforcement of traffic regulations.
“With preliminary approval already in place, we are working with assemblymen to ensure stricter measures are implemented by the middle of the year.
“Officers will be on duty during peak hours, and patrols will also be carried out at other times,” he said.
Rajendran is hoping for cooperation from the public.
“We do not want to take such stern action, but the situation has reached a point where it is necessary,” he said.
Offenders could face fines of up to RM300, towing charges of RM100 and RM50 unclamping fee, Rajendran said, adding that MBPP was also strengthening its towing and clamping efforts, with additional tow trucks now deployed to keep roads clear.
To optimise parking in high-traffic areas, a two-hour maximum is proposed especially in sites with severe shortages.
For longer stays, alternatives like free public buses and ride-sharing services are encouraged.
“We are also improving our free shuttle bus service and working with developers to ensure new highrises include controlled-rate public parking,” said Rajendran.
While congestion pricing and traffic restrictions are under consideration, he emphasised that long-term solutions required improvements in public transport, bus lanes, walkways and enforcement.
“Public attitude is key. Without civic-consciousness, even the best plans will fail,” he said.
An MBPP enforcement officer clamping the wheel of an illegally parked car on Campbell Street.
Value of cleanliness
Rajendran pointed out that a clean city reflected the values of its people, and MBPP was committed to ensuring that Penang remained one of Malaysia’s cleanest urban areas.
A total of RM61.35mil has been allocated for municipal waste collection and disposal as well as cleanliness initiatives, as part of MBPP’s RM466.31mil budget for 2025.
Rajendran said one of its key initiatives was the revival last July of the Waste Segregation at Source (WSAS) policy, after being paused during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This policy is more than reducing landfill waste. It is crucial for protecting our environment,” he said.
Initially enforced from 2017 until the 2020 Covid-19 outbreak, WSAS aims to prevent pollution and maintain the ecosystem. Non-compliance could result in a fine of up to RM500.
Rajendran said the island’s recycling rate had surged to 53.68% by November 2024, exceeding the national average.
“With continued awareness campaigns, we aim for a 70% recycling rate by 2030.”
Over the weekend, Penang also launched the “No Plastic Bags Every Day” campaign, a bold initiative to eliminate single-use plastics statewide.
Hypermarkets, supermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, fast-food restaurants, chain stores, petrol stations and pharmacies have to comply with the Plastic Bag 2.0 regulations.
MBPP cleaners with motorcycles equipped with sidecars. — Courtesy photos
“This campaign encourages sustainability by promoting reusable bags for a greener future,” said the mayor.
A six-month grace period will be given for businesses and the public to adjust, with full enforcement beginning Sept 1.
Penang Green Council will distribute 100,000 reusable bags in the first three months.
Penang first introduced its “No Plastic Bag” campaign in 2009, and now plans to phase out single-use plastics entirely.
Rajendran also praised MBPP’s tireless cleaners who begin their work at 5am at key hotspots, and efficient garbage collection in villages like Sungai Ara and Paya Terubong using motorcycles with attached sidecars as bins.
He also highlighted the maintenance of 71 public toilets by a dedicated team, many of whom were retirees.
“Collaborations with Rose Charities ensure cleanliness while offering seniors a meaningful role in society,” he added.
Rajendran stressed that cleanliness was not just about manpower but respect for public spaces, noting that vandalism of public toilets remained an issue.
Meanwhile, to improve facilities, MBPP will instal grab bars in all public restrooms by year-end.
“Small changes like these make a city safer, more accessible, and pleasant for everyone,” he said.
Ageing population
Penang officially became an ageing city in July 2023, with over 7% of its population aged 65 and above.
By 2040, the percentage of residents aged 60 and above is expected to rise to 26.2%.
“We have partnered with Malaysian Healthy Aging Society (MHAS) and Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) to launch the Age-Friendly City Project, in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines,” Rajendran said, adding that MBPP had also applied to become a WHO-recognised Age-Friendly City.
A dedicated Ageing Society Centre is in development, offering a call centre for elderly assistance and a van with a wheelchair lift to transport seniors to medical facilities.
Additionally, the city council is creating employment opportunities for senior citizens, engaging them in industries like landscaping.
“This keeps them active while giving back to the community,” Rajendran pointed out.
MBPP’s coffers
On the city council’s finances, Rajendran emphasised the need for fiscal responsibility.
“We must ensure strategic and sustainable spending to enhance mobility, cleanliness and inclusivity,” he said.
MBPP, he said, was owed over RM100mil in unpaid fees and taxes.
Starting April 1, defaulters will not be able to access the local council’s services unless they settle their dues. This includes applications for tenders and licences.
Looking ahead, Rajendran envisions a more progressive, resilient and smart city.
“Urbanisation demands better mobility, smarter management, and sustainable living,” he said, highlighting improvements in public transport, pedestrian-friendly zones and flood mitigation.
He said MBPP’s emphasis has to be about the people.
“A city isn’t just infrastructure. It is the heartbeat of its residents.
“Our role is to collaborate with the community, fostering transparency and participation in shaping Penang’s future,” he noted.
Rajendran, 62, became the fourth Penang island mayor on May 5, 2023, after a 37-year career with the city council.
He had served as Engineering Department director and city council secretary, among others.
