MBI URGED TO PRIORITISE CORE SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE’S WELLBEING

IPOH, 25 JUNE 2026 – Ipoh City Council (MBI) has been urged to continue prioritising its core responsibilities as a local authority, besides strengthening innovation and the smart city agenda in line with the Perak Sejahtera 2030 aspirations. 

State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim said that technological advancements and the smart city agenda must be translated into improved quality of service delivery that is more efficient, responsive and effective for the people. 

According to him, the smart city concept should not be seen solely via the use of modern applications, systems or technology, but rather, must be felt directly by the community through better municipal services. 

“The people do not just want to see data, figures or sophisticated systems. They want to experience the wellbeing of the city itself through more efficient services, faster dealings, swift action and a more comfortable urban environment to live in,” he said. 

He said this when officiating the Ipoh City Council Excellent Service Award and Competency Award Ceremony 2025 held at Ballroom 1, Ipoh Convention Centre here today. 

The event was held to celebrate MBI staff who demonstrated excellent performance, high commitment, commendable character and professional attitude in carrying out the trust and responsibility entrusted to them. 

At the ceremony, a total of 176 Excellent Service Award 2025 recipients were honoured for their commendable work performance. The award was given to staff who met the set criteria, including achieving high performance evaluation scores, having a good service record and being free from any disciplinary action. 

In addition, 60 recipients of the Competency Award 2025 also received recognition for excellence in work performance, personal presentation, character, discipline, communication skills and competence that can serve as an example to other staff. 

In his speech, Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi described MBI as one of the local authorities that is the pride of the Perak State Government due to its excellence in leading various strategic state initiatives. 

“We have entrusted many administrative and management modernisation efforts to MBI. Products such as Park@Perak and Smart I-Box are managed by MBI. As a result of the hard work of its staff, it has elevated the good name of Perak to national recognition,” he said. 

Touching on economic development, he said MBI also played an important role in strengthening Ipoh’s position as a major tourism destination through the development and improvement of various tourism products, including Concubine Lane, Tasik Cermin, Ipoh Night Market and Bazar Karat Ipoh. 

He also expressed his appreciation for MBI’s excellent financial performance. 

He said the achievement reflected MBI’s ability to manage financial resources prudently, efficiently and with integrity. 

Meanwhile, Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah said the ceremony was a manifestation of MBI’s appreciation for staff who have proven their commitment, dedication and excellence in carrying out their respective responsibilities. 

“The excellence of an organisation does not only depend on policies, systems or planning alone, but rather depends on the quality of the human capital driving it. 

“In the context of MBI, every officer and staff plays an important role in ensuring that the delivery of municipal services to the community is carried out efficiently, responsively and with integrity,” he said.

He said that Ipoh city is now continuing to grow as a dynamic, livable city and a focus for investment, tourism and economic activities. 

Therefore, he said, MBI staff must always be ready to make improvements, cultivate innovation, practice teamwork and make integrity the main basis in every action. 

“The excellence celebrated today should be a catalyst for all MBI staff to continue to provide the best service to Ipoh city and its residents. 

“To all award recipients, let this recognition be a source of motivation to further improve performance and be a role model for colleagues,” he said. 

He also called on MBI staff who did not receive an award this time not to give up, but instead use the achievements of their colleagues as inspiration to create success in the future. 

MBI hopes that this award will continue to be a catalyst for all its staff to provide the best service to Ipoh City and its residents, in line with the aspiration of making MBI an excellent local authority, with integrity and always close to the hearts of the Ipoh residents.