THE Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) would be focusing on 10 strategic priorities this year to ensure that Seberang Perai continues to thrive and remain competitive, say its newly-appointed mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad.
Azhar said the 10 strategic priorities were part of the Seberang Perai Corporate Priorities 2022 (SPCP 2022).
“The first five of the strategic priorities are a safe environment, quality facilities and infrastructure, healthy lifestyle, green development and clean environment, and the use of new technology.
“The other five are competitive urban economy, strengthening the culture and heritage, a resilient and livable city, community engagement and development of an inclusive and equitable city.
“The details regarding each of the strategic priorities will be announced later when we officially launched the SPCP 2022.
“In general, SPCP 2022 is a strategic document that highlights Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that are needed to be achieved by the MBSP this year for the betterment of the people in Seberang Perai.
“The document is also in line with the state’s Penang2030 vision of ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’,” Azhar told Buletin Mutiara at the MBSP headquarters building in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam recently.
Azhar was appointed as the new MBSP mayor on Jan 1 this year.
The former deputy State Secretary (Development) in the Penang State Secretary’s office took up the position after the then MBSP mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud completed his term of office on Dec 31 last year.
Azhar has a Master’s in Science (Land Resource Management), Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and a Diploma in Public Administration.
He previously served in the Information Ministry as well as several district and land offices in Pahang before serving in the Penang State Secretary’s office since November 2018.
Azhar said it was an honour for him to be appointed as the MBSP mayor.
“I would like to say thank you to the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for trusting me with such a position.
“It is not an easy position to hold as the responsibility is heavy and it is challenging. The expectation is also high.
“Nevertheless, I will do my best to make Seberang Perai a great place to live in, in terms of infrastructure, services, cleanliness, job opportunities and many others.
“After all, the main focus of MBSP is to serve the people of Seberang Perai at its best,” he said.
According to Azhar, the city council was planning to add more bicycle lanes on the mainland.
“As of now, we have provided bicycle lanes measuring about 195km, covering three districts namely north Seberang Perai, central Seberang Perai and south Seberang Perai.
“We intend to add more bicycle lanes to protect cyclists and also to encourage people to be involved in cycling activity as it is good for our health.
“MBSP will organise more sporting events for the community to keep them active and healthy,” he said.
Azhar said that MBSP would conduct various programmes to meet people on the ground, including those in rural areas.
“This is because MBSP not only served those who live in urban areas but also those who live in the rural areas as well.
“So, we will go to the ground more often to engage with the community. With this, we can listen and understand their problem.
“After that, we can try our best to provide the best solution to solve their issues within our capacity. And of course, our MBSP councillors will play a crucial part in this,” he added.
Azhar also advised the Seberang Perai residents to take care of cleanliness on the mainland.
“Do not throw rubbish irresponsibly and leave them for the MBSP workers to clean it up.
“We must have a shared responsibility and not just depend on MBSP.
“Instead, all of us should do our part to maintain and further improve the cleanliness in Seberang Perai.
“The change of mindset is important. The people should know how to manage their waste, such as bringing recyclable items to the recycling centres and not just throwing them away.
“Together, we take care of our Seberang Perai,” he concluded.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis