SHAH ALAM: More than half of Selangorians are said to be happy with 'the right direction' taken by Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim's administration, according to Merdeka Centre survey.
Of the 6,432 people from eight municipal councils who responded to the survey, 54% agreed that the state government was heading in the right direction in terms of social, economy and politics despite the several issues cropping up recently.
Among the 54%, 11% said the state was 'very correct in its direction with the remaining 43% stating that direction was 'correct'.
"The results are somewhat pleasing as the survey was conducted when there were protests over issues such as the Kinrara-Damansara Expressway (Kidex), water crisis and the Malay Bible which were widely reported in the media," state executive councillor for local government studies and research Datuk Teng Chang Khim told a press conference here.
He added that the survey indicated that the people of Selangor were more concerned with basic issues, such as good governance, infrastructure, maintenance and cleanliness.
The survey, carried out between May 16 and July 6, was the first for the state and would be done bi-annually as a way to gauge the performances of the local councils, Teng added.
Teng said 72% of respondents were satisfied with the quality of life in their communities.
He admitted that the issue over the hike in assessment rates was a concern for the state as many respondents were against paying higher fees.
"Twenty-eight percent of respondents were willing to pay higher assessments if local council services were improved.
"However, 54% wanted assessment rates to be maintained at the standard of current service" he said.
Teng added that the state will have to do some convincing if it intends to raise assessment rates.
"We have nothing to hide and want the people to know the findings of the survey.
"It will also be helpful for the local councils to show that there is still room for improvement," he said.
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