By Danial Dzulkifly
KLANG, Feb 5 — Sultan Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has officially decreed the vibrant port town of Klang has been accorded royal city status.
His Royal Highness announced the change of status of the Klang Municipal Council (formerly known as MPK) to the Klang Royal City Council, or MBDK, during the declaration ceremony earlier this morning.
“I, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, hereby declare and stipulate the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) will become a city from November 23, 2023, until forever, and must be referred to as the Klang Royal City Council,” said the Selangor Ruler in his royal address at Wyndham Acmar, here today.
This makes Klang the first royal city in Selangor and only the third in Malaysia, after Alor Setar and Johor Bahru.
Following the proclamation, MPK president Datin Paduka Noraini Roslan took the oath of office as the first mayor of the Klang royal city.
In the royal address, His Royal Highness congratulated Noraini on her appointment as the city’s first mayor. He reminded her and the council members to prioritise addressing public concerns and enhancing the people’s overall quality of life.
“Efforts are needed to improve public service, ensure the people of Klang live in harmony, and provide a safe, livable environment.
“Short, medium, and long-term planning must be immediately undertaken to ensure that gaining city status aligns with meeting the inhabitants’ basic needs,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
His Royal Highness also drew attention to Klang’s flood issues during the rainy seasons, urging the mayor and the council to devise practical solutions, considering its location along the Sungai Klang estuary.
“I hope the mayor and the local council can look into this matter and devise solutions to overcome the issue.
“Detailed planning is required, considering the city is located at the river estuary. Expert advice is needed to ensure effective solutions to the problem,” said the Ruler.
Sultan Sharafuddin is also hopeful that with royal city status, the state government will give much-needed attention to developing public infrastructure, providing sufficient housing, and promote proper development of the city’s unique cultural attractions.
