Business friendly policies for SMC next year
SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) staff are urged not to be complacent with what the council has achieved.
Its chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King stressed this at SMC dinner at RH Hotel on Friday.
He said positive steps must be taken to review past results and realign strategies based on past shortcomings.
“Besides that, we should build upon our strength to improve our service delivery.
“With the new federal government, there are changes of some policies. Our theme for 2019 is ‘Together We Make Sibu Greater’,” he said, adding that Sibu is envisioned as a modern and sophisticated town.
He said that with increased expectation from the people and limited resources, SMC is going to revisit and review its vision and mission to realign the current policies to be business community friendly.
Tiong added that the revenue generated from commercial rates for 2018 is RM21.2 million or 54.88 per cent of total revenue while industrial rate is RM5.1 million or 13.28 per cent of the total revenue. Residential rate collected is RM12.3 million or 26.04 per cent.
“The combined revenue from commercial and industrial rates is RM26.3 million which is 68.16 per cent of total revenue collected in 2018.
“Therefore, the new council policy next year is going to be friendly towards business community to create more employment opportunities for the progress of Sibu,” he pointed out.
Tiong revealed that the council is facing greater staff movement and hoped that new staff would adapt and work together innovatively and creatively to raise efficiency and effectiveness of the council.
‘SMC Cares’ app was launched during the dinner to better manage public complaints.
SMC deputy chairperson Rogayah Jamain was also present.