By Sofia Nasir
SHAH ALAM, May 27 — The experiences of a branch of the Selangor government in managing Covid-19 have been detailed in Selangkah Ke Hadapan: Pengalaman Pentadbir Petaling Dalam Mendepani Covid-19 (A Step Forward: Petaling Administrators’ Experiences in Facing Covid-19), which was launched today.
The book, authored by four people including State Secretary (Development) Dato’ Johary Anuar, is a record of Petaling administrators’ true stories in managing the pandemic five years ago.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said he proposed the book to ensure each step taken could be a reference for the future.
“(I suggested writing this book) as at the time, we were flailing without references. Our last such reference for movement restrictions was May 13.
“We had to use trial and error to manage Covid-19, and we sometimes made not-so-correct or late decisions as we weren’t fighting with weapons,” he said at the book launch here today.
[caption id="attachment_402457" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari signs an officiation plaque for the book launch, during the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, on May 27, 2025. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
The launch, which was held during the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, was also attended by State executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi and Selangor Public Libraries Corporation (PPAS) Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad.
Meanwhile, Johary said his office took a year to finish the book as it was challenging to recall every important moment of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Petaling Disaster Management Committee ex-chairman said the district was among those with the most enhanced movement control orders, which was a major hurdle for his team.
“I hope this book is well received, especially by civil servants, so they understand the process. It could also encourage them to try their hand at writing,” he said.
Selangkah Ke Hadapan: Pengalaman Pentadbir Petaling Dalam Mendepani Covid-19, published by PPAS, retails at RM35 and is available at the Selangor Pavilion during KLIBF.
Besides Johary, the book was authored by state government officers Norazlina Yusof and Normaziatul Akmal Che Azhar, as well as Hulu Selangor Municipal Council president Julaiha Jamaludin.
