By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH – Local authorities (PBT) must be strengthened as frontline providers of inclusive, responsive and proactive public services, in line with the state’s development agenda under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 master plan.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the move is aimed at reinforcing the role of local governments in upholding equal access to basic rights without discrimination, including for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“Development planning can no longer focus solely on physical infrastructure. It must also incorporate social wellbeing, environmental sustainability and sustainable economic growth,” he said in a speech read by state executive councillor for Communications, Multimedia and NGOs, Mohd Azlan Helmi, during the launch of the SUHAKAM with Local Governments and PBT Programme here today.
Also present were SUHAKAM chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus and Local Government Department director-general Datuk Mohd Fadzli Mohd Kenali.
Saarani added that a rights-based approach that upholds the dignity of every individual should serve as the foundation of all local policies and governance, drawing inspiration from the concept of Human Rights Cities implemented in global cities such as Seoul, York and Graz.
“The state government fully supports SUHAKAM’s efforts to promote human rights and evaluate policy effectiveness through such initiatives,” he said.
He also noted that financial constraints and climate change should not be seen as obstacles to empowering local councils.
Instead, these challenges should be addressed through innovation, strategic partnerships with the private sector, and strengthening the local economy.
According to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Perak currently has the highest proportion of elderly residents in the country at 8.9 per cent, making the expansion of age-friendly and PWD-friendly initiatives a pressing necessity.
“Taiping was recognised as the first city to implement the Age-Friendly City Pilot Project back in 2019. This highlights the need for all facilities for the elderly and PWDs to be implemented with seriousness and commitment,” he said.
He also called on all local councils to extend full cooperation to SUHAKAM’s delegation, which will be conducting field visits to assess available public facilities and identify areas for improvement.
“Findings and recommendations from these visits should be shared with the state government to develop effective solutions and strengthen inclusive development policies,” he added.
