By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Feb 14 — With Selangor and the Federal government now under the same ruling coalition, the alignment in leadership has expedited the state’s development agenda and economic initiatives.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the coordination not only simplifies administrative processes but also directly benefits people through various transformation initiatives and improvements to their daily lives.
He said close cooperation has enabled the more efficient and comprehensive implementation of various development programmes, ultimately enhancing the people’s well-being.
“Our records show that since 2009, Selangor’s GDP (gross domestic product) contribution to the national economy has consistently increased, except in 2014. This demonstrates economic management consistency, even during certain terms when we were not aligned with the Federal government.
“When we are on the same page with the Federal administration, many things become more manageable. For example, the comprehensive transformation and social development process in low-cost housing areas.
“There are two locations in Selangor — Lembah Subang and Kampung Hicom. The takeover of Lembah Subang was only recently finalised after extensive discussions with the Housing and Local Government Ministry. When there was a lack of alignment, implementation was difficult. But once we are in sync (with the Federal government), these programmes could move forward,” he said on TVAlhijrah’s Analisis Madani: Transformasi Selangor, Ekonomi Pendidikan dan Infrastruktur talk show, last night.
Also featured was senior political secretary to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin.
Meanwhile, Shamsul stated that Selangor has demonstrated the ability to drive and manage its economy more sophisticatedly and structuredly under Amirudin’s leadership, with strong support from the Federal government.
He said stability at the federal level facilitates various matters at the state level, further strengthening Selangor’s development agenda.
“Under the Menteri Besar’s leadership, the state’s economic management is now far more sophisticated and structured, thanks to the federal government’s backing. The existing stability at the federal level makes many state-level matters much easier to handle,” he said.
He also stated that the Federal government’s focus on economic issues provides significant advantages and benefits for Selangor, in line with the state’s strong track record of economic growth and investment since 2008.
Sustainable support for citizens
Selangor’s approach to providing assistance aims to empower its people rather than simply offering direct aid that may lead to dependency.
Amirudin said every aid initiative is designed to gradually lift recipients from financial difficulties and strengthen their economic foundation.
He acknowledged that while this approach takes time, it is seen as a more sustainable way to ensure long-term economic stability, with the people as the central pillar of the state’s progress.
“Our approach is not just about giving. The concept is empowerment. Every form of assistance is intended to help people overcome their financial struggles, not just provide temporary relief,” he said.
Citing the Hijrah Selangor initiative, Amirudin said the microcredit loan programme introduced in 2009 has produced approximately 62,000 micro-entrepreneur alumni who have benefited from it.
He said the state’s Platform Selangor (PLATS) programme introduced in 2020 to assist traders affected by the Covid-19 pandemic has also grown to include 40,000 registered businesses.
“Starting with just 132 traders when PLATS was first introduced, we now have nearly 40,000 registered businesses. We continue to support them in expanding their enterprises through various facilities,” he said.
Investing in education
Selangor continues to strengthen its education sector by offering various initiatives from primary school to higher education.
Amirudin cited its People’s Tuition Programme (PTRS) as one of the state’s key efforts. With an allocation of RM10 million, he said the programme benefits over 120,000 students annually.
“These 120,000 students are from backgrounds where they cannot afford private tuition or have weaker academic performance in Form Three and Form Four but need to pass the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). We support them to ensure they at least obtain their SPM certificate.
“As for university admission, there is an RM1,000 incentive, along with state scholarship loans. The Bitara Programme funds top-performing students, with sponsorships reaching RM1 million per year, enabling them to study at ‘Ivy League’ universities.
“From helping students pass exams to securing university placements, we also allocate RM30 million for technical and vocational programs. Additionally, we collaborate with Apple, Siemens, Festo, and Dassault Systemes to provide high-skilled training,” Amirudin added.
