SHAH ALAM, Aug 29 — The Selangor Greater Klang Valley (SGKV) should become one of the most efficient and liveable metropolises in the world by the time Malaysia marks its 100th year of independence, said Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari.
To achieve this, society must adopt a more open mindset in maintaining Selangor as a metropolis, as diversity is the state’s strength.
“Today, we still look to Tokyo, Seoul, or Singapore as references. In the future, the SGKV must itself be a reference for the development of other cities.
“To that end, this year we will begin efforts for each local authority to build or upgrade a housing park so that we can increase public spaces for the comfort of the people,” he said when delivering the Menteri Besar’s National Day Lecture at the Shah Alam City Council Convention Centre today.
Amirudin added that the state government must also provide comfortable spaces and infrastructure in residential areas, government offices, public spaces, and also homes that are more elderly-friendly.
“We must always remember and plan, as the elderly population is rising and those aged 60 and above are projected to make up 15 per cent of the population by 2036,” he said, noting that Selangor is expected to reach peak population in 2049.
At the same time, Amirudin said the state government, through its subsidiaries, would review and explore more sustainable solutions for assisting and supporting the elderly, compared to current methods.