By Mustakim Ramli
SHAH ALAM, July 29 — A total population under 150,000 and minimal revenue collection are among the reasons why Sabak Bernam is the only local authority in Selangor that retains the status of a district council.
State executive councillor for local government Ng Sze Han that said based on the circular by the Housing and Local Government Ministry's secretary-general, there are new criteria for the upgrading of local authorities.
"These include the total population and the total annual revenue of the authority in question. Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB) has a total of 132,000 people compared to the minimum criteria of 150,000 people.
"In addition, MDSB's annual revenue collection is still low, whereas the ministry's minimum criteria is RM20 million," he said at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session earlier today.
Ng was responding to a query from Sabak state assemblyman Ahmad Mustain Othman, who wanted to know why Sabak Bernam is the only Selangor district still retaining the status of a district council, and if there are any plans to upgrade it to a municipality.
The councillor the plans to help Sabak Bernam qualify for municipality status include opening up opportunities for outside investors with large-scale projects, as well as increasing housing, commercial and industrial projects.
