PUTRAJAYA: Pekan District Council (MDP) is eligible to be upgraded to a municipal council (MPP) after meeting seven criteria set by the Local Government Development Ministry in accordance with the Local Government Act 1971.
This news was presented to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah by Minister Nga Kor Ming at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (Feb 23).
In a statement on Friday (Feb 24), the ministry said that Sultan Abdullah was happy with this news especially since Pekan is His Majesty's birthplace.
"His Majesty said this (the eligibility upgrade) was meaningful in conjunction with His Majesty's birthday celebrations later.
"His Majesty also agreed to attend the MPP proclamation ceremony on a date to be determined later," according to the statement.
Following Friday's briefing, the ministry will present a proposal on the upgrading of the MDP to MPP in a Cabinet meeting for consideration and approval in the near future.
"Further action for the purpose of gazetting will be coordinated with the Pahang government," according to the ministry.
The criteria set by the ministry include income from sustainable financial sources exceeding RM20mil per year and a population density of 150,000 people.
Apart from that, MDP also has the ability to provide opportunities for traders and promote the growth of investment, business and commercial activities, have satisfactory infrastructure facilities and a sustainable urban planning concept as well as having a programme that can encourage local residents to develop the community. - Bernama
