The police are investigating the case, following a viral video showing two men claiming to be MPPWP members allegedly soliciting bribes from a business operator believed to be located in Wangsa Maju.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh has ordered a probe.
Meanwhile, police are also investigating the case for possible extortion. The two individuals have been told to step down, pending investigations.
Bukit Bintang MPPWP Subzone 4 chairman Cynthia Hor said the incident showed gaps in how members were prepared for their roles, especially relating to integrity and boundaries.
“There isn’t enough training on integrity.
“What is the moral standard expected of us? Nobody actually teaches that,” she said.
Hor stressed that MPPWP members were not enforcement officers.
“That has never been part of our role. We do not go around checking licences or asking operators to show documents.
“Enforcement matters are under Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
“Our role is to raise complaints and channel them to the authorities,” she said.
Without proper training, Hor said the limit of the MPPWP committee members’ roles could become unclear.
“If there is no proper training, how do you expect people to lead or even know where the boundaries are?
“Without clear guidance, certain things become grey areas and that is where problems start,” she added.
Hor also called for better screening of grassroots representatives, including considering their ability to handle the MPPWP representative’s role.
Seputeh MPPWP Zone 6 chairman Alvin T. Ariaratnam said appointments should prioritise those with experience in community leadership.
“Those who have served in joint management bodies, management corporations, residents’ associations or rukun tetangga would already have some understanding of governance and community issues.
“That kind of exposure is important in ensuring the role is carried out properly,” he said.
Bandar Tun Razak MPPWP committee member Mohd Zainuddin Amran agreed, saying proper guidelines and training would help members understand their responsibilities.
Mohd Zainuddin, who holds several leadership roles in community organisations, including as a senior mediator with DBKL’s Commissioner of Buildings (COBKL), said the role of MPPWP representatives should not be judged based on isolated cases.
“We cannot assume that all MPPWP members behave this way. It would undermine the council’s credibility.
“MPPWP serves as a bridge between residents, businesses and the authorities by conveying complaints and relaying government policies.
“Our role is to facilitate engagement and resolve issues through mediation, not enforcement,” he elaborated.
Mohd Zainuddin said MPPWP also supported community programmes and helped address local issues such as cleanliness and public facilities through mediation and communication.
He said efforts were underway to strengthen members’ understanding of the MPPWP’s role.
“This month, COBKL will conduct a course for 1,125 MPPWP members across all 11 parliamentary constituencies in Kuala Lumpur,” said Mohd Zainuddin, highlighting that the course was on understanding and managing community conflict.
“This course equips participants with practical skills to understand, manage and resolve conflicts within communities constructively and respectfully.”
MPPWP members are appointed by the Federal Territories Department for a fixed term, based on nominations often linked to ruling coalition parties.
