ZAMAKHSHARI LAYS DOWN PLEDGE OF IPOH SMART CITY IN MISSION AS 13TH MAYOR

IPOH, April 18 (Bernama) -- The issues of the people and the maintenance of public facilities will be the main focus in ensuring that the vision of making Ipoh a 'Smart and Prosperous City' can be realised, says the 13th Mayor of Ipoh, Zamakhshari Hanipah.

He said that it was not an easy task, but rather a responsibility entrusted by every citizen of the city.

"I will ensure that issues such as garbage, drains and grass, as well as the maintenance of public facilities including potholes, are given priority. This is to make Ipoh a cheerful, clean and environmentally friendly city.

"We must realise that this duty entrusted to us (the city council) is for the well-being of Ipoh's residents, because they are truly our employers, as they are the ones who pay our salaries," he said during the Swearing-in Ceremony of Ipoh City Council (MBI) councilors at the MBI meeting hall here today.

Earlier, Zamakhshari took the oath as the 13th Mayor of Ipoh, witnessed by State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching.

Zamakhshari, the former deputy director-general of Planning and Disaster Preparedness (Policy) at the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma), has replaced Datuk Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud, who ended his tenure as mayor on March 31.

Meanwhile, Zamakhshari said that the various recognitions and achievements previously attained by MBI would continue to be upheld with the support of MBI staff at all levels.

"I will also ensure that initiatives towards 'Ipoh Bestari Sejahtera,' which are currently being implemented and have received national and international recognition — such as the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award for the Doughnut Economics Programme and the Outstanding Planning Achievement in the Commonwealth 2023 (for sustainability, liveability) — can be continued and further strengthened," he said.

Zamakhshari also mentioned that his team would strengthen relationships with the palace, the federal government and the state government in efforts to enhance progress and development in the city.

-- BERNAMA