Royal visit: Sultan Sharafuddin, accompanied by Noraini (left), visiting an exhibition after the declaration ceremony at Wyndham Acmar Hotel in Klang. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KLANG: There is no point in being proud of achieving city status if the basic needs of the people cannot be managed properly, says Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
In his royal address after proclaiming Klang a city yesterday, Sultan Sharafuddin said short, medium and long-term plans must be implemented with immediate effect to cater to the needs of the people.
“Efforts must also be increased in providing the best service to the people to ensure Klang Royal City residents live harmoniously in a safe environment,’’ said Sultan Sharafuddin, whose proclamation is effective Nov 23, 2023.
With this, the Klang Municipal Council is now known as the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK).
Former MPK president Datin Paduka Noraini Roslan was announced as Klang mayor. This is her second time at the helm of a city council, as she was previously mayor of Subang Jaya. She is the second woman mayor in Selangor after Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad, who was appointed Petaling Jaya mayor on Jan 1, 2013.
The Sultan also spoke of the flooding problem in Klang and directed that necessary measures be implemented to counter it.
“I hope the mayor and MBDK councillors will take heed of this seriously by taking steps to overcome it.
“A neat and proper plan has to be implemented while taking into account that the Klang Royal City is located at the Klang river estuary.
“Opinion from experts must be obtained to ensure that any plan to overcome flooding will be effective,’’ added Sultan Sharafuddin, who expressed his wish to see Klang become a city that will be a source of pride for all Selangorians through the upholding of cleanliness, excellence and rich heritage.
“Hence what has to be paid attention to is the level of cleanliness in housing areas, rivers and riverbanks.
“Attention must be given to the restructuring of the housing sector and commercial areas as well as efforts to counter and control the crow population,” said the Ruler who also reminded MBDK councillors and employees to always perform their duties with dedication and integrity by avoiding graft and abuse of power.
Sultan Sharafuddin said MBDK personnel and officials must also go to the ground to familiarise themselves with the problems faced by the people and deliver the best services.
“Practise having discussions and taking immediate action without having to wait for a complaint to be lodged first,’’ said His Royal Highness.
Sultan Sharafuddin also said that MBDK councillors should be professionals and experts in areas relevant to town planning, as opposed to just politicians, and recommended that at least half the councillors should be non-politicians.
“At the same time, the councillors must also reflect the racial composition of the people living in Klang city so that all races will be appropriately represented,’’ said Sultan Sharafuddin.
The Ruler also urged residents to be proud of Klang’s royal city status, and to always cooperate with those entrusted to take care of cleanliness of the city and maintenance of public facilities.
Sultan Sharafuddin said the city was very dear to him as it held many historical facets revolving around the Selangor Sultanate as well as the founding of the state.
Klang is the fourth town in Selangor to be proclaimed a city after Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya.
