By Norrasyidah Arshad
KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 — The state government is willing to support Ampang Jaya in its elevation to city status, if the local authority can meet the criteria based on its administrative area.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) must work to formulate a sustainable living policy that meets the needs of the people if it seeks city status.
“MPAJ has repeatedly expressed its desire to become a city. However, they need to restructure its crowded (housing) areas. Some of the areas inhabited by the low-income (B40) and M40 (middle) and T20 (kayangan) groups circle one another.
“I believe MPAJ is capable of taking on this challenge. Our success should not only be based on high revenue collection but also on how to combine the hopes and needs of the people,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking at the MPAJ Excellent Service Awards 2022 here last night. Also in attendance was Selangor State Secretary Dato’ Haris Kasim and MPAJ deputy president Julaihah Jamaludin.
The Menteri Besar also reminded the council to conduct a comprehensive study on landslides that occurred in its administrative areas, especially around Ukay Perdana, Ukay Heights and Bukit Antarabangsa.
“We need the data and research. If you do the work solely based on experience and instinct…it is likely that disasters will recur.
“So, a comprehensive study is necessary. To move forward, we have to think further,” he said.
On March 11, a landslide occurred at Taman Bukit Permai 2 in Ampang which killed four and slightly injured another, while 15 homes and 10 vehicles were damaged.
