INTERDEPARTMENTAL teamwork is the secret behind Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) attaining major achievements, including the recent Asean Clean Tourist City Award.
MBSA deputy secretary (management) Shahrin Ahmad said it was a major milestone as it was the first time the city had achieved such a recognition.
Collaboration was important particularly for community programmes and competitions that involved multiple departments, he said.
“We depend on data and information from MBSA departments as well as external agencies.
“This plays a significant role in ensuring success of our initiatives,” added Shahrin, who also received the Anugerah Khas Datuk Bandar at the Excellence Services Award 2025 ceremony in Shah Alam, Selangor.
The Asean Tourism Standard’s stringent evaluation for the aforesaid award involves cleanliness, tourism, road signage and other technical aspects, all of which require the support of various departments and agencies.
He also highlighted several key programmes that reflected strong interdepartmental cooperation such as Shah Alam Car-Free Day and Meet the Customers sessions.
The wedding of The Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah, last year also showcased MBSA’s ability to operate as a team.
“It was a massive event involving multiple components,” Shahrin said.
“MBSA managed programmes such as Sukan Rakyat, and in the evening there was a royal banquet at Dataran Kemerdekaan.
“Different departments played crucial roles. Enforcement handled road control, Corporate managed protocol while Landscape was responsible for decorations.
“It showed how important coordination is,” he added.
Reflecting on his award, Shahrin said the recognition was not an individual achievement but a collective success shared with his Community Development Department and other MBSA units.
He advised public servants to carry out their responsibilities with dedication, stressing the importance of proper planning, strong teamwork and effective communication.
“To succeed, you need a structured plan, the right team combination and clear communication to avoid breakdowns.
“In the public sector, the community expects fast and effective decisions.
“We must act quickly, make sound decisions and not procrastinate.”
A total of 125 MBSA staff members were honoured at the annual event recognising employees for excellence in service, integrity and commitment in line with the city council’s efforts to strengthen its role as a high-performing local authority serving the community.
The event was attended by Shah Alam mayor Datuk Zabidah Safar and Selangor government financial officer Datuk Dr Haniff Zainal Abidin.
