GEORGE TOWN: The island officially has a new mayor, after Datuk A. Rajendran (pic) took his oath of office and was sworn in as the island's fourth mayor.
Having served for 37 years with the local authority, Rajendran said it had never crossed his mind that he would one day become mayor.
Hitting the ground running, he shared that the main issues on the island that are well-known and being looked into are cleanliness and traffic congestion.
"I would like to confirm that planning and improvement measures are being implemented and will be made better.
"The process of educating people and enforcement actions will continue.
"To reduce the quantity of solid waste disposed, recycling through the Waste to Energy Project will be carried out in 2024 where the recycling rate in the island part of Penang is expected to reach 60%," he said.
In terms of traffic, Rajendran said plans to upgrade roads and build important infrastructure will continue while focus will be given to the use of public transport and alternative transport as well.
"Initiatives to encourage more people to walk short distances will be implemented," he said.
Rajendran hopes to cover all the bases and address all issues including those involving climate change, the disabled and Penang 2030.
He took the oath before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, state Local Government Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo and other state representatives and Penang Island City Councillors at City Hall on Tuesday (May 9).
Chow said Rajendran is the fourth MBPP mayor.
Chow urged all the city councillors to work together with Rajendran to carry out the council's plans.
"I hope this new pairing will enhance their work and their service delivery," he said.
He replaced Datuk Yew Tung Seang who last month retired, having served since January 2018.
Rajendran, 60, was previously the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary.
Rajendran, who joined the local authority in 1986, was appointed council secretary in January last year (2022).
He is the second mayor of Indian descent to be appointed in more than 60 years after DS Ramanathan, who was elected as mayor in 1958.
Rajendran was earlier the engineering director of MBPP before being appointed as secretary.
Between 1957 and 1966, the city of George Town, under the governance of the George Town City.
Since 2015, there have now been four MBPP mayors.
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