Amirul Azizan taking his oath of office as Subang Jaya’s fourth mayor. — ART CHEN/The Star
SUBANG Jaya’s new mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim is urging eateries and hotels to step up their cleanliness and hygiene measures, as these are among key considerations by tourists when choosing businesses to frequent.
“Cleanliness and hygienic practices are crucial among workers in the food and beverage sector, in kitchens of restaurants and even in places of accommodation,” he said.
“Visitors, be they domestic or international, expect restaurants and cafes to be well kept.
“They also have the same expectations for hotels, even budget ones.
“As competition increases in the tourism sector, operators of such businesses must ensure their premises are clean and presentable to continue attracting visitors.”
Amirul Azizan said SS12, SS15 and Taipan Business Centre in USJ10 were commercial centres in Subang Jaya, Selangor that drew a lot of visitors.
The 47-year-old father of four was speaking after his swearing-in ceremony at Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ)’s headquarters in USJ5.
Amirul Azizan’s term as mayor is for two years.
According to Tourism Selangor, MBSJ recorded the highest number of tourists last year among 12 local councils in the state.
Of the 2.15 million visitors, some 1.35 million were domestic while 801,097 were foreign tourists, with a majority of them from China.
“I urge MBSJ’s Health Department to ensure cafes, restaurants and hotels have good hygiene practices in their day-to-day operations.
“Subang Jaya is one of the places favoured for cafe hopping so that reputation must be guarded well.
“The council will carry out regular inspections and public feedback will be taken seriously, such as in identifying areas that need improvement and follow-up action,” he added.
Amirul Azizan took his oath of office and integrity pledge as Subang Jaya’s fourth mayor in front of MBSJ heads of department and councillors.
He received his letter of appointment as Subang Jaya’s new mayor from Selangor State Secretary Datuk Haris Kasim two days ago.
Amirul Azizan had previously served as Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) president for four years.
He has a degree in science from Saint Louis University in the United States.
On the proposed increase in assessment tax set for January next year, he said MBSJ must work to ensure its basic services are up to standard.
“If we want to see this happen, we (council staff) must all be on the same page.
“We must be united in purpose and work hand-in-hand with local communities to make a sustainable difference in people’s lives.”