(From left) Sharipah, Local Government Development Ministry secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor Azman Taib and Alias during the seminar in Puchong. — Courtesy of MBSA
THE Empowering and Enhancing Local Authority Performance Seminar at a hotel in Puchong, Selangor saw as many as 420 people from 62 councils nationwide taking part.
Organised by Local Authority Town Planners Association (Peta), the seminar aimed to ignite creativity and stimulate innovative thinking in exploring potential new revenue sources.
Peta advisor Sharipah Marhaini Syed Ali said property taxes were the primary source of revenue for local councils in Malaysia.
“Apart from taxes, we also generate income through licensing and fee collection,” said Sharipah, who also serves as Petaling Jaya deputy mayor.
“We are also exploring new revenue streams, such as charges to developers.
“For example, when we create a local plan and rezone specific areas, we can impose a certain amount on developers for these changes.
“In this context, there are various ways we can request contributions from developers, including the implementation of levies, with the intention of reinvesting these funds back into the community,” she added.
She said local councils must expand their functions beyond essential services such as cleanliness and waste collection.
“We are now tasked with addressing urban poverty, congestion and the dire state of schools,” Sharipah said at a press conference after the seminar.
Peta president Eddy Ismail said there had never been a course of this nature for local councils regarding finance.
“With a clearer policy on self-financing, our dependence on external agencies, be it at the state or federal level, can be reduced.
“The impact is substantial; when we can make immediate decisions with our finances, issues that concern the public will be resolved more efficiently.
“As an example, in Kuala Terengganu, there’s an issue related to drainage systems, costing only RM50,000 for repairs.
“However, the council is not equipped to address it and must refer to the state government.
“After the seminar, we aspire to foster collaboration and streamline work processes in partnership with other councils,” he said.
Also present during the seminar was PlanMalaysia director general Dr Alias Rameli, Peta deputy president Hamzah Ab Halim and several mayors as well as department directors.
