Mohd Najwan (right) listening to a briefing by MBSA Planning Department assistant town planner Hazimah Abdul Wahab at one of the booths set up at the event.
COMMUNITY events by local governments are a platform for the public to engage with the local council and learn about the services it provides, says Kota Anggerik assemblyman Mohd Najwan Halim.
“The ‘Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and You’ programme is an opportunity for the council to build accessibility and responsiveness that strengthens trust with residents,” said Mohd Najwan, who is also Selangor youth, sports and entrepreneurship committee chairman.
“I observed that this programme has brought together MBSA staff, community leaders, local councillors and the elected representative to meet the people and address local challenges.
“This creates a culture of government transparency,” he said after launching the programme at a field in Section 16, Shah Alam.
Mohd Najwan said MBSA Community Development Department’s approach to community building was good, as it would help the area’s councillors and department heads to better understand local issues and subsequently, address them.
MBSA Zone 5 councillor Nur Yusmi Md Yusop said, “The fast-paced life in urban areas makes it challenging to find time to build friendships, but weekend events can help bridge that gap.
“Such events are also a great way to network with people.
“Community events offer an impactful platform to engage with people and our aim is to get people to understand the role of MBSA and its services,” said Nur Yusmi, whose zone covers Sections 15 and 16.
MBSA acting deputy mayor Madiyan Baweh said the event attracted about 900 residents from Sections 16, 17, 18 and 19, with families making it a weekend outing.
“We had several booths where various government agencies were present to introduce their services and to reach out to the public.
“Ratepayers also took the opportunity to settle their assessment tax at MBSA’s mobile counter, while children were thrilled by the activities offered by the mobile library,” said Madiyan.
