Show of hands: Nga (centre) posing with the audience during the convention. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Twelve local authorities have had their ratings downgraded on the Local Authority Star Rating System (SPB-PBT) following the inclusion of a new anti-corruption checkbox, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Government Minister said the indicator on corruption was added to address corruption at the town council and district levels, and this new benchmark triggered the downgrading of the 12 local authorities (PBTs).
However, he stopped short of naming the 12 local authorities.
“This is the first time in history where we included anti-corruption elements in the local council star rating system.
“With the new assessment system, I would like to announce that 12 PBTs have been downgraded,” Nga told reporters after the first day of the 2024 Local Government Convention here yesterday.
He said counselling would be given to the 12 downgraded PBTs, with the anti-graft element in line with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy that was approved by the Cabinet.
“PBTs will be a role model so that we are friendly to residents and investors,” Nga said, adding that all states – except Kelantan, Kedah and Perlis – had set up integrity units in accordance with a recent circular from Putrajaya.
“For states without integrity units in their PBTs, I hope they will take the initiative to do so after this convention.
“I’m not asking PBTs to set up integrity units with 100 people. Even if it has one or two officers, it is enough.
“In a globalised era, all of us, including myself, should be multitasking,” said Nga, who nonetheless added that there was currently no deadline on PBTs to set up integrity units.
“This is in line with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy. We will work with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission,” he said.
Meanwhile, Nga said his ministry aimed to shorten the licensing approval process for “no-risk” businesses such as grocery stalls or food courts to within a day.
“Apply in the morning and get it approved by evening.
“That is part of our digital transformation plan.
“For high-risk businesses such as veterinary clinics, night clubs and others, we try to approve licences within 14 days,” he said.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said PBTs should prioritise drainage management to reduce risks of flash floods, especially in densely populated areas.
According to Fadillah, effective runoff management is important due to the increased incidences of intense rainfall.
“That is why planning is important in the context of sustainable development. Look at not just traffic flow, but also drainage and future energy needs,” said Fadillah when officiating the convention earlier.
“This will be one of the challenges. I hope each PBT will draft urban development plans within this comprehensive context. Towns may face floods if runoff is not managed effectively.”
After the event, Fadillah told reporters that smart cities must include sustainable development tools in its planning.
He also said an intelligent transport system should be considered to facilitate movements in smart cities.
“These are future challenges. If we don’t manage this, it will put pressure on people’s lives,” he added.
