By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
KLANG, July 15 — The Klang Municipal Council’s (MPK) process of obtaining city status is now in the final stages of review by the Local Government and Housing Ministry.
Its minister Nga Kor Ming said they are conducting a study on several aspects, including the local authority’s revenues, population size, and economic activities.
“The ministry received an application from MPK to be upgraded to city status, which is now in the final stages of review.
“This will not take long, and good news will come about in the near future. For the time being, we will wait for the review to be completed and for the right time,” he said during a press conference after visiting Pulau Ketam in Port Klang yesterday.
Meanwhile, Nga said there are nine cities nationwide which are recognised as royal cities, including the royal city of Klang.
“The ministry, under the Town and Country Planning Department (PLANMalaysia), has the Royal City Planning and Development Guidelines (GPP) which were approved during the Cabinet meeting on May 17.
“It is aimed at preserving the identity of royal cities as symbols of Malaysia’s sovereignty, as well as to enhance their potential as tourist destinations via economic and cultural empowerment on the local level.
“The document was presented to the 262nd Conference of Rulers (on July 12 and July 13), and serves as the main guide for the state government, local authorities, and technical agencies in planning and controlling development in royal city areas or areas surrounding the Royal Palace,” he said.
Asides from Klang, other recognised royal cities include Arau in Perlis, Anak Bukit in Kedah, Kuala Kangsar in Perak, Seri Menanti in Negeri Sembilan, Muar in Johor, Al-Muhammadi Kubang Kerian in Kelantan, Kuala Terengganu in Terengganu, and Pekan in Pahang.
Previously, MPK President Noraini Roslan said the council is focusing its efforts on upgrading Klang’s infrastructure, in preparation for city status, which is slated to occurr sometime in November.
