SHAH ALAM, May 1 — The Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) is boosting its financial discipline with cost controls to ensure each sen of public funds is spent transparently, efficiently, and prudently.
Subang Jaya Mayor Dato’ Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim said these measures are important amid global economic uncertainties, as they ensure every expenditure has optimal impact on the people.
“Among measures to be emphasised are controls on foreign official visits, official programmes and ceremonies, controls on assets and utilities, procurement, and management/development spending.
“Savings also involve controls on travelling and meetings, and spending based on the ‘value for money’ principle,” he said in a speech at the MBSJ monthly meeting on Tuesday.
“In the current challenging economic environment, spending must be meticulously planned so results are truly felt by the people.
“MBSJ will continue emphasising financial governance that has integrity, is efficient, and based on the ‘value for money’ principle,” Amirul added.
He said these cost-saving measures are guided by directives issued by the Selangor Treasury, in the Selangor Public Expenditure Controls Order dated April 9.
“MBSJ tabled its implementation of this order at a Financial Committee meeting on April 21 and agreed to fully execute cost-saving measures highlighted, effective immediately,” Amirul said.
Previously, state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said local authorities are facing increased operational costs of up to 20 per cent due to rising energy prices.
He added that cost pressures directly affect local authorities’ financial positions, requiring them to adjust spending already set out in yearly budgets.
Ng said cost hikes involve various major components, including solid waste management, infrastructure maintenance, landscaping works, and daily logistics.
