By Komander (Honorary) Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim
In recent weeks, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah of Selangor has expressed deep concern over the rising public complaints regarding cleanliness across the state.
The Sultan called for urgent and comprehensive measures to restore streets and public areas to their proper condition.
“I am fed-up. It is time for local authorities to correct their mistakes. Selangor is the most developed state with a large population, and it should be a source of national pride,” he said, stressing accountability while voicing disappointment over the deterioration of public hygiene.
This issue, however, is not unique to Selangor.
Across Malaysia, similar challenges persist, affecting both urban centres and rural communities.
Minister of Housing and Local Government, Nga Kor Ming, recently voiced frustration at the careless disposal of waste, particularly in city centres and other high-traffic public areas.
He cautioned that as Malaysia advances towards developed-nation status and prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, irresponsible behaviour could tarnish the nation’s reputation.
“A clean city reflects a cultured society,” he said.
Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim reinforced the importance of fostering a responsible and conscientious citizenry as central to socioeconomic development.
Drawing lessons from Japan, he highlighted the exemplary conduct of Japanese football fans during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, who meticulously cleaned stadiums after matches.
“It is not only part of football culture but part of Japanese culture. One important aspect of Japanese society is ensuring everything is truly clean. This happens in all sports events and certainly in football,” he noted, adding that similar behaviour was seen at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
The year 2026 has been designated Visit Malaysia Year, with numerous activities planned to welcome international visitors and stimulate economic growth.
Dr Irmohizam emphasised that preserving the nation’s image also depends on citizens demonstrating positive behaviour and social responsibility.
He urged Malaysians to adopt personal resolutions, promoting ethical conduct, civic-mindedness, and public accountability.
Road safety, he said, must remain a priority, citing statistics that show over 6,000 deaths from traffic accidents annually.
“The country needs drivers who respect the law and traffic regulations, working together to reduce accidents and fatalities,” he remarked. Public health, too, is a critical area, with lifestyle-related illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and ischemic heart disease continuing to claim lives.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, these conditions accounted for 13 per cent of medically confirmed deaths in 2024.
Integrity and anti-corruption measures are also vital. “Reports from the Auditor General show that leakages can and should be prevented, often caused by a lack of integrity.
The Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, expressed confidence that Malaysia’s Corruption Perceptions Index will continue to improve thanks to the government’s commitment to transparency and reform,” Dr Irmohizam observed.
Social cohesion remains another key focus. Citizens of all backgrounds must actively strengthen unity and harmony to secure national prosperity.
Despite contemporary societal challenges, moments of solidarity demonstrate the enduring Malaysian spirit of integration.
The 2018 National Unity Index (IPNas) measured the nation’s cohesion at 0.567 out of 1.0, indicating a generally healthy level of inter-ethnic relations, as monitored by the Ministry of National Unity.
Education and literacy underpin national development.
The 2022/2023 Malaysian Reading Profile indicates that Malaysians now spend an average of nine hours and 22 minutes reading each week, covering an annual average of 24 publications, spanning print and digital formats.
Dr Irmohizam emphasised that an informed population is central to a strong economy, and that promoting reading and the publishing industry remains crucial.
Economic productivity, savings, and wages are further areas of focus. Productivity grew by 2.4 per cent in 2024, with value added per worker rising to RM99,265, thanks in part to technological advancements and automation in manufacturing.
Yet, savings among lower-income groups remain low, with 76.8 per cent of Employees Provident Fund contributors earning below RM3,000 monthly. Dr Irmohizam urged both employers and employees to collaborate in improving productivity and long-term savings, supported by the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) and its “Raise the Ceiling, Raise the Floor” principle.
Finally, Dr Irmohizam called attention to the urgent need to strengthen moral values across all segments of society—from schools and workplaces to public spaces and governance institutions.
Rising cases of bullying and other criminal activity, he noted, reflect the imbalance that can arise when material development is prioritised over ethical grounding.
Policies addressing online conduct, social media usage, and age-appropriate exposure are essential to reinforcing a national moral compass.
“The challenges are many, but with determination and collective effort, Malaysia can become a beautiful, safe, and constructive nation in every sense. It all begins with our shared commitment,” he concluded. - January 8, 2025
*The author serves as Deputy President of the Federation of Malaysian Datuks (MDPM) and Assistant Treasurer of the Malaysian Datuk and Dato’ Council (MDDM)
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