SIX new councillors have been appointed among the 24-member Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) for 2025.
Of the six new appointees, two have previously served as councillors. The new additions include Azman Rahim, Yeoh Kim Kim, Mohamad Aisamuddin Mohamad Kaman, and Zulkifli Md Yusop, all from PKR. Meanwhile, Lim Eng Nam (PKR) and Zulkiply Ishak (Amanah) have been reappointed.
The councillors took their oaths during a swearing-in ceremony before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye and MBSP mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid at the MBSP headquarters building in Bandar Perda, Bukit Mertajam today.
For 2025, the MBSP councillor composition includes 10 members from DAP, nine from PKR, two from Amanah, two from Barisan Nasional (BN), and one representative from a non-governmental organisation (NGO). The councillors’ tenure runs from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.
In his speech, Baderul congratulated all 24 councillors and urged them to work with the city council to provide the best service to the people of Seberang Perai.
H’ng also extended his congratulations and expressed high expectations for the 2025 councillors.
“The year 2025 is anticipated to bring heightened challenges, marked by global shifts in economics, technological advancements, and pressing climate change issues.
“Last September, Seberang Perai experienced severe storms that led to a significant number of complaints about fallen trees. Such incidents are likely to recur, and I urge all MBSP councillors to actively assist in monitoring their respective areas.
“This will ensure preventive and scheduled maintenance works are carried out, mitigating the risks posed by falling trees.
“ I also hope that the councillors, appointed from various parties, will work together and seize the opportunity to share ideas and expertise to ensure excellent administration for the local authorities in Penang,” said H’ng.
Chow also congratulated the 24 appointed councillors and urged them to carry out their duties diligently and effectively to serve the people on the mainland.
“I would also like to say thank you to the former MBSP councillors for everything they have done and their contributions to the city council.
“I hope they will continue to help the people although they are no longer councillors,” he said.
Chow also called on local councillors to prioritise the interests of the people in Seberang Perai while aligning with the aspirations of the Penang government and MBSP.
He also reminded local councillors that every decision made must serve the people’s welfare and be consistent with the broader goals of the state government, particularly the Penang2030 vision.
He also stressed the importance of councillors being forward-thinking, creative, innovative, and competitive to contribute insightful ideas for Penang’s economic development.
“Avoid delays or procrastination, as these reflect on the quality of governance delivered by the Penang government and MBSP. Councillors must facilitate and expedite processes while adhering to proper procedures,” Chow concluded.
The list of 24 MBSP councillors for 2025:
1. Bernard Cheen Goon Hooi (DAP)
2. Derick Chong Wei Hoong (DAP)
3. Heng Yeh Shiuan (DAP)
4. Linggeswaran Charmar (DAP)
5. Jeff Ngoh Cheng Hai (DAP)6. Victor Ng Wai Leong (DAP)
7. David Ng Yee Siang (DAP)
8. Ooi Yong Wooi (DAP)
9. Ponnudurai Anthony Srinvasagam (DAP)
10. Rachel Teh Chuann Yien (DAP)
11. Zainuddin Mohamed (PKR)
12. Predeeb Kumar Kalidass (PKR)
13. Lim Chee Chien (PKR)
14. Nur Aishah Zainol (PKR)
15. Lim Eng Nam (PKR) – Reappointed
16. Azman Rahim (PKR) – New
17. Yeoh Kim Kim (PKR) – New
18. Mohamad Aisamuddin Mohamad Kaman (PKR) – New
19. Zulkifli Md Yusop (PKR) – New
20. Mohd Suzuki Ahmad (Amanah)
21. Zulkiply Ishak (Amanah) – Reappointed
22. Datuk Mohd Noor Ahmad (Umno)
23. Datuk Omar Abdul Hamid (Umno)
24. Benson Neoh Kah Wei (NGO)
For Zulkifli, addressing the issue of illegal traders in Seberang Jaya will be a key priority.
“I will be serving in Seberang Jaya, and one of my main goals is to assist illegal traders in obtaining proper licences.
“This includes helping them secure suitable locations to conduct their businesses legally and sustainably.
“At the same time, I aim to engage the youth in the constituency by organising more youth-centric programmes to foster their development and involvement,” he explained.
Mohamad Aisamuddin expressed enthusiasm about learning from senior councillors as he takes on his new role.
“I will be representing Sungai Bakap, and my primary commitment is to address local issues that impact residents, particularly those related to facilities and infrastructure,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azman Rahim, who will oversee the Telok Ayer Tawar constituency, shared the challenges he has already begun addressing.
“Even though today marks my first day as a sworn-in local councillor, I have already received several reports from residents related to illegal traders and flooding in certain areas.
“I will address these matters thoroughly, including fostering collaborations with state and federal agencies to find effective solutions,” Azman assured.
As for Yeoh, her focus will be on serving the community by addressing local concerns and promoting environmental awareness.
“I am committed to helping residents resolve local issues while enhancing community beautification efforts. Additionally, I aim to raise awareness about environmental hygiene and encourage waste recycling practices,” she shared.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis