PUTRAJAYA – Pekan District Council is eligible to be upgraded to a municipal council after meeting seven criteria set by the Local Government Development Ministry in accordance with the Local Government Act 1971.
This news was presented to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah by its minister Nga Kor Ming at Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
In a statement today, the ministry said that Al-Sultan Abdullah was happy with this news especially since Pekan is his majesty’s birthplace.
“His majesty said this (the eligibility upgrade) was meaningful in conjunction with his majesty’s birthday celebrations later.
“His majesty also agreed to attend the municipal council proclamation ceremony on a date to be determined later,” according to the statement.
Following today’s briefing, the ministry will present a proposal on the upgrading of the district council to municipal council in a cabinet meeting for consideration and approval in the near future.
“Further action for the purpose of gazetting will be coordinated with the Pahang government,” according to the ministry
The criteria set includes income from sustainable financial sources exceeding RM20 million per year and a population density of 150,000 people.
Apart from that, the district council also has the ability to provide opportunities for traders and promote the growth of investment, business and commercial activities, have satisfactory infrastructure facilities and a sustainable urban planning concept, as well as having a programme that can encourage local residents to develop the community. – Bernama, February 24, 2023
