Give the best in service delivery — Penguang
SARIKEI: Local authorities in the state ought to give their best in carrying out their duties and obligations, such as giving the highest level of customer service.
Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil stressed this in his speech at the Central Zone level of the State Public Services Innovation Week at the civic centre here yesterday.
“Like it or not, it is a fact which local authorities have to accept as today’s customers who are taxpayers are demanding and expecting more than before in terms of quality, varieties, benefits, f lexibility. The people want quality services or value for their money,” Penguang said in his speech read by the ministry’s permanent secretary Bakrie Zaini.
As front liners in the government’s delivery system, the local authorities are obliged to serve the rate payers, he stressed, adding that shortage of manpower or funds are unacceptable excuses.
“Local authorities must deliver effectively and efficiently as failing to do so would create a bad impression of the entire government machinery,” he cautioned.
Thus, the ministry believes that creativity and innovation are crucial factors to address the shortcomings, Penguang said.
In fact, he added, creativity and innovation are not an option but a necessity to ensure the relevance of local authorities in this era of information and communication
Like it or not, it is a fact which local authorities have to accept as today’s customers who are taxpayers are demanding and expecting more than before in terms of quality, varieties, benefits, flexibility. The people want quality services or value for their money.
technology.
Though the ministry had outlined seven Local Key Result Areas ( LKRAs) for the local authorities in the state to focus on, it also encouraged them to apply their creativity and innovation based on their respective situations and environment, he pointed out.
The seven LKRAs which the Ministry of Local Government wants the local authorities to focus on are ensuring food premises are clean; developing green and clean markets; addressing f lash f loods; creating business opportunities by providing trading places; practising good and safe road maintenance; increasing people’s confidence in local help services and ensuring clean and functional public toilets.
Touching on Innowaste Exhibition, Bakrie commended the local councils from other divisions for setting up their booths to share their creative and innovative products.
He believed by sharing ideas and knowledge, the local councils would further develop Innowaste not only as an efficient method of managing waste but also as a way to earn extra income through recycling of waste products.
Participating in the Innowaste exhibition were Sarikei District Council, Sibu Municipal Council, Sibu Rural District Council, Matu/ Daro District Council, Meradong/Julau District Council, Dalat/ Mukah District Council, Kuching North City Council, Kanowit District Council and Lawas District Council.
During the function, Bakrie presented prizes to winners of the various competitions organised in conjunction with Sarawak Public Services Innovation Week (Central Zone).
First to third place winners in the Innowaste Exhibition contest were Kuching North City Council, Meradong/Julau District Council and Dalat/ Mukah District Council respectively.
First to third prizes for both individual and group categories of ‘ Say No to Plastic Bags’ logo and slogan contest were won by students of SMK St. Anthony.
Sarikei Resident Mohd Junaidi Mohidin also spoke at the function.
Among those present were Modernisation of State Services Unit ( Chief Minister’s Department) director Dr Anthony Valentine Laiseh; a representative from Malaysian Administration and Management Planning Unit ( Mampu), Low Wye Ling; and Sarikei District Council chairperson Wong Zee Yeng.
Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, Assistant Minister of Local Government