Aerial view of USJ5 showing a mix of residential and commercial areas. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
A HUMBLE and a no-nonsense person is how new Subang Jaya mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim comes across to Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) staff and residents.
On his first day at work after being sworn in, Amirul Azizan, 47, told all city councillors to answer work e-mails and WhatsApp messages promptly and professionally while carrying out their duties.
One department head said, “He does not mince his words but is bent on getting the work done.”
It has been a little over 100 days since he took on the role as fourth mayor of Subang Jaya.
Officially sworn in on July 23, Amirul Azizan said it was rude and unprofessional for councillors not to reply to work-related messages.
The firm tone in his inaugural speech set the pace for MBSJ to provide better services to ratepayers.
MBSJ is keen to promote healthy lifestyles and enhance community activities to be labelled a ‘happy’ city. — Filepic
He will serve as mayor for two years ending July 2026.
Amirul Azizan is known to be decisive, a stickler for punctuality and reliable in getting the job done.
His last posting was as Kuala Langat Municipal Council president, where he served for four years.
Prior to that he was Gombak district officer and Selangor Treasury chief assistant secretary.
Over the past three months, the father of four has obtained first-hand understanding of complaints lodged with MBSJ by going around Subang Jaya.
Among his first initiatives was creating WhatsApp channels to connect residents’ complaints and inquiries directly to the various departments for quick action.
He spoke with StarMetro on his plans for MBSJ’s administrative areas.
Q. What are your plans for Subang Jaya city after going down to the ground?
A: Our ratepayers are most important. I want to establish a culture focusing on people and providing them service. One crucial component is to build trust.
My main focus is to strengthen core services such as waste management, recycling, street lighting, drainage networks and road maintenance.
Our enforcement actions will be enhanced. In my first 100 days, I have examined issues in the city.
Recreational parks are important for Subang Jaya folk, especially the elderly, to ensure they can lead a healthy lifestyle. — Filepic
I aim to improve MBSJ’s services by ensuring staff address complaints promptly and effectively.
I have implemented WhatsApp channels for residents to report complaints directly to the concerned departments.
MBSJ is sensitive to current policies, residents’ needs and driving holistic development.
To achieve our plans, property owners need to settle their assessment tax so MBSJ can provide quality and effective services.
Q. Why is prompt response to ratepayers’ complaints crucial?
A: We deal with people, daily. MBSJ staff must give good customer service, be accountable and put people first.
Prompt response to ratepayers’ complaints is important as it reflects our capability as a local council to meet people’s needs.
When immediate action is taken, it builds public confidence and trust in MBSJ while enhancing the administration’s image.
Amirul (second from right) says MBSJ staff must know that listening is a crucial part of communication when dealing with ratepayers. — Filepic
Being proactive is our way of ensuring the community gets efficient services.
This will help strengthen the bond between the city council and residents.
The WhatsApp lines, which are open from 8am to 5pm, have become an effective medium to handle MBSJ-related issues.
Q. How do you plan to put people first?
A: MBSJ staff must know that listening is crucial in communications as it allows us to figure out the best next step.
The city council prioritises the people, which means that every decision and action taken will focus on the community’s welfare.
Residential neighbourhoods of SS14 (foreground) and SS18. The SS18 LRT station offers residents ease of public transportation to get in and out of Subang Jaya.
We will achieve this goal through efficient services, rapid responses to complaints and community engagement with the people in planning and development process.
Q. What is your vision and mission in your term as mayor?
A: My vision is to make Subang Jaya a sustainable, prosperous and community-friendly city.
My mission is to enhance the quality of city council services, improve urban infrastructure and promote green initiatives.
We aim to ensure Subang Jaya continues to grow as a safe, inclusive and viable city.
There are many eateries in SS15, Subang Jaya for people to enjoy their favourite foods and cafe hop.
In line with MBSJ’s tagline “MBSJ Gemilang Bersama”, the city council received the Smart City Early Adopter Award 2024 and National Scroll of Honour Award for Human Settlements’ (NSOHA) 2024 from the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
Q. Department heads have been told to find solutions within a timeline without passing the buck. What do you mean by this?
A: It just means that I am the captain of the ship; I have to get all department heads to find solutions.
Every department head must take full responsibility in resolving issues. There will be no room for negligence or favouritism in carrying out duties.
The main goal is to ensure departments act decisively and effectively. We need to resolve issues or complaints as a team.
Q. Does MBSJ plan to improve infrastructure for the well-being of senior citizens?
A: The city council is committed to improving infrastructure for the benefit of the elderly.
MBSJ Planning Department will ensure amenities such as parks, pedestrian pathways with tactile tiles and buildings are designed to provide easier and safer access, according to the needs of the elderly.
Every pedestrian pathway needs to meet Universal Design Standards (MS1184:2014) as well as MBSJ’s crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) guidelines.
We are continuously monitoring pedestrian pathway projects through Safe City Action Plan and MBSJ’s Strategic Plan, which is committed to making public areas barrier-free.
Q. MBSJ staff are efficient workwise but is effectiveness something to look into?
A: While we pride ourselves on the efficiency of MBSJ staff, there is still room for improvement in terms of effectiveness.
We will continue to introduce innovations in daily operations to expedite processes and enhance service quality.
The use of the latest technology, regular training and proactive approaches will be implemented to ensure the staff always provide the best service to ratepayers.
Q. One of the main grouses in Subang Jaya is of restaurants throwing oil and food into drains causing bad smells and attracting rats. What can be done about this?
A: MBSJ and KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) carry out regular cleaning of public drains twice a month.
In addition, strict enforcement actions are taken such as issuing compounds to restaurant owners who pollute drains.
A total of 22 compound notices were issued for drain pollution from January to September.
Q. How does MBSJ plan to make Subang Jaya a ‘happy’ city?
A: MBSJ plans to expand its green initiatives, promote healthy lifestyles and enhance community activities.
We also continuously strive to ensure services provided are friendly and efficient.
MBSJ also looks into keeping neighbourhoods safe and comfortable to live in to reduce daily stress.
This resulted in the city being awarded Subang Jaya Happy Community City Award by the Housing and Local Government Ministry, reflecting the effectiveness of activities organised by MBSJ for the community.
It is hoped that this achievement will help Subang Jaya and its community remain happy, healthy and maintain an optimistic view of life.
Q. How does the role of mayor inspire you?
A: I have served in various aspects of people management, administrative duties and strategic planning.
With these experiences I am inspired to take on this responsibility to make a greater contribution to the community, especially to the city of Subang Jaya.
Seeing the city’s potential to develop into a more sustainable, inclusive and viable place motivates me to play a role in realising that vision.
I hope to bring about positive change and improve the quality of life for Subang Jaya residents.
