SHAH ALAM, Sept 9 — The state government will conduct an independent survey as early as next year to assess public satisfaction with the performance and quality of services provided by local authorities in Selangor.
State executive councillor for local government Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said preparations are underway to appoint an independent body to conduct the survey.
“We are preparing to appoint a survey body to assess the satisfaction levels of users, taxpayers and the public with the delivery system, performance and services of local councils.
“This will serve as an indicator for us to work harder. We will study the findings of the survey to further strengthen services and address any weaknesses identified,” he told Media Selangor.
Ng said the assessment method would take into account differences in the categories and administrative scopes of each local authority to ensure public satisfaction levels could be measured more accurately.
He added that the appointed body would determine the survey mechanism, including the preparation of questions, sample selection and appropriate indicators.
“The indicators for each level of local council differ, including municipalities and city councils. The body entrusted with conducting the survey will have its own mechanism to determine the questions and study samples.
“We are currently making preparations and will implement it in the near future. We may be able to conduct the survey early next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the state government is prepared to establish a task force to assist local councils that fail to meet the set indicators in improving their performance.
“In Selangor, there is strong internal competition among local authorities, with each working towards achieving a five-star rating. Each has its own strengths and they compete healthily.”
Ng said efforts to strengthen local councils would also focus on improving service delivery efficiency, digitalising services, reducing bureaucracy and making processes faster and more user-friendly.
“At the same time, we want the councils to ensure that environmental conservation, cleanliness and solid waste management become increasingly sustainable, while urban sustainability continues to be safeguarded.
“Universal facilities, including those for persons with disabilities (OKU), must also be given attention so that development can benefit all segments of society.”
He said continuous improvements are important to ensure that local councils in Selangor not only provide quality services to the people but also move towards meeting international smart city standards.
