Local authority enters national record book for bagging dual award
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has achieved a new milestone in local governance by becoming the first government agency in Malaysia to secure two Sirim certifications simultaneously.
MBPP received the Sirim MS 50:2021 Social Accountability Management Systems and Sirim MS 55:2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Management Systems certifications from Sirim QAS International.
This feat also earned it a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR).
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming presented the honours to MBPP and Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran at a ceremony in George Town.
Among those who witnessed the presentation were Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, ministry secretary-general Datuk M. Noor Azman Taib, Sirim QAS International management System Certification Department general manager Wan Shahima Mior Ahmed Shahimi, MBPP secretary Cheong Chee Hong, Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye and MBOR representative Megat Faris Hussein Megat Muzaffar Shah.
Nga in praising MBPP, said the city council’s success should serve as a benchmark for others to emulate.
“More importantly, following this achievement, the local community will experience and benefit from all the contributions, services and proactive planning of the local council,” Nga added.
He said the ministry would nominate MBPP for the Dubai International Award for Best Practices in Sustainable Development, following the city council’s Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities (Shanghai Award) win.
He added that apart from MBPP being named the best local authority nationally, Rajendran also won bronze medal for best mayor.
Chow said the recognition placed Penang in a strategic position to continue attracting quality investment while driving sustainable development.
He added that this aligned with the state’s “A Better Penang” 2026 aspirations and endorsed MBPP as a yardstick for urban planning and service delivery.
“The state government remains committed to providing support and strategic cooperation to ensure that these aspirations can be realised effectively,” Chow said.
“I am confident that with the integrated commitment of the state government, MBPP, local communities and Federal Government, Penang will continue to strengthen its position as a model state for sustainable development, not only at national level but also on the international stage.”
At the event, Nga also announced an allocation of RM3mil for six Madani recreational parks in Penang.
He said the allocation would help local authorities improve the quality of life for people.
“There will be RM500,000 for each park, with three under the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and another three under MBPP.”
He said 216 parks had been completed so far nationwide.
