By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Jan 27 — Selangor is on track to achieve a RM500 billion economy within the next three to five years, driven by advancements in complex industries such as semiconductors and ventures into artificial intelligence, said Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
However, the Menteri Besar urged state administrators and elected representatives to remain vigilant and avoid complacency despite Selangor contributing over RM400 billion to the national economy last year.
“Through collective efforts, we tackled various obstacles, including the pandemic, floods, and other adversities.
“Alhamdulillah (god willing), last year we recorded RM2.85 billion in revenue. This marks the highest recorded income since 2020, surpassing the previous peak of RM2.81 billion in 2017.
“However, in 2018, we experienced one of the lowest revenue levels in recent years,’” he said, referring to the RM2 billion revenue collected in the said year.
“This achievement does not mean we should become complacent, instead, we must remain vigilant and prepared to secure higher revenues for greater spending on public welfare, among other priorities,” he added when delivering his address during an assembly with civil servants at Dewan Jubli Perak at the state headquarters, here today.
Amirudin said the state has largely succeeded thanks to its comprehensive First Selangor Plan, or RS-1, which helped the state administration lay out a developmental plan for the next five years, starting in 2021.
He said the focus now is to ensure that a more detailed developmental blueprint for the Second Selangor Plan, or RS-2, is outlined, which is slated to be unveiled next year.
“Alhamdulillah (thank God), in 2025, we are at the final stretch before reaching our destination. While not everything may be achieved, and some things may exceed expectations, these experiences will provide us with valuable lessons as policymakers and implementers.
“We will learn what needs to be improved for Selangor’s next plan, the second Selangor Plan, which, InshaAllah (God willing), we will present in 2026,” he said, adding it is crucial for them to learn the mistakes of the past and adapt to challenges.
Meanwhile, Amirudin also highlighted the state’s Speed Selangor policy, which aims to shorten the approval period for planning permissions in industrial areas.
He said in the past, expediting planning approval only came from the orders of the Menteri Besar’s office or through the state executive councillors, which is not sustainable or ideal.
“Sometimes, we are just waiting for instructions from the Menteri Besar. When the exco (state executive councillors) speak, we follow. But it shouldn’t be like that.
“We cannot conduct business or make decisions based on what anyone says. Decisions should be made based on policy and we have set a standard policy, but there must be flexibility in many areas.
“However, the standard applies in normal circumstances. Acceleration needs to be implemented. We cannot wait for someone’s word, or for the exco or Menteri Besar to say ‘yes’ before we act,’’ he said.
At the event, Amirudin also saw the launch of the rebranding of Kita Selangor, the state administration’s motto.
The rebrand includes a new song, logo and font.
