GEORGE TOWN, May 10 – Datuk A Rajendran has been appointed as the fourth mayor of the Penang City Council (MBPP) following the retirement of Datuk Yew Tung Seang on May 5. Rajendran, who has served for 37 years in the MBPP Engineering Department, said that he never thought he would be given this responsibility. In his speech at the MBPP 2023 Mayoral Swearing Ceremony at the City Hall, Rajendran said that he would focus on several important issues in Penang, including cleanliness and traffic congestion.
To deal with cleanliness and garbage collection problems, Rajendran said that MBPP has introduced more systematic ways that will be improved through the use of the latest technology. He added that a special team has also been set up to take immediate action on any complaints received and provide support services if needed. The council has strengthened its workforce by appointing 150 cleaning workers in 2023 and action is being taken to add 10 ‘compactor’ vehicle units.
In addition, recycling through the Waste to Energy Project will be carried out in 2024 where the recycling rate on the island is expected to reach 60 percent. Regarding traffic, Rajendran said that plans to upgrade the road and the construction of important road infrastructure will continue. At the same time, he will focus on the use of public transport and alternative transport. Initiatives to encourage more people to walk for short journeys will also be implemented.
The road space is becoming more limited with the increase in vehicles and pedestrians, especially in the city center area where the roads cannot be widened any more. Congestion conditions are not only concentrated during peak traffic times but become more acute during the holiday season and weekends. Rajendran also emphasized that the Penang Vision 2030 inspired by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow will continue to be a pillar, lived up to and used as a guide to set the direction of the MBPP towards a Smart and Green State Based on National Inspiration Family.
The implementation of Sustainable Development Goals is the essence of achieving Penang Vision 2030 and the implementation of MBPP projects, programs and services. The council has responded to the call for the implementation of ‘place making’ initiatives, community development, and industry involvement outlined in Penang2030 by paying attention to the level of Penang State Happiness Index which is at 76.5 percent according to a study in 2021 and surpasses the national average index.
