KLANG Municipal Council (MPK) president Dr Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin says he is listening to people’s views including getting feedback on creating a culture of innovation and inspiring teamwork among departments.
He said this would help create a competent, cohesive and nimble team.
“With good teamwork, we can think and share ideas for better workflow in the council.
“Our team must focus on simplifying MPK’s internal processes.
“We need to create a culture of innovation that improves the work process and promote the use of data driven decisions, ” he said.
Ahmad Fadzli, the 12th council president, who celebrated his one-year in office recently, told StarMetro that council operations must exhibit empathy, strive for clarity and convey the message that reduces the gap between the council and ratepayers.
Before his appointment to MPK, Ahmad Fadzli was management development and innovation cluster head at National Institute of Public Administration.
He was appointed on April 9,2020 but was sworn in to office on May 19,49 days after he received his appointment letter.
Asked if he had the support of all staff, he said to build and maintain a successful team was no simple task.
Ahmad Fadzli said it was difficult to get total support.
“As a third tier of government dealing with people in the royal town, service is an important element of the work we do.
“I challenge our staff to step back whenever they think about forming cliques in their departments.
“Each worker should individually contribute to a given task.
“And this is how it will make a meaningful difference for ratepayers in Klang, ” he said.
Ahmad Fadzli said at times, he would take a drive to certain neighbourhoods to observe and listen to people on their need for basic amenities and share the council’s aspirations.
“Our town is seeing new urban transportation infrastructure being built like the Light Rail Transit 3 linking Bandar Utama to Klang, and this will impact everything from economic growth to social well-being.
“As a municipality, it will give us challenges that cannot be viewed in isolation.
“MPK must embrace improved methods to provide public services, ” he added.
He said MPK needed to formulate long-term strategic plans due to the impact of Covid-19.
“It is a challenge to mitigate the hardships people encounter daily.
“The council has motivated small businesses to use MPK’s digital online business platform Klang i-Plaza to sell their products.
“We have designed this free platform to link businesses, be it small or big entities, and like-minded people to share resources, develop plans, introduce products and grow a business.
“It is proving to be effective compared to brick-and-mortar options or even food trucks, ” he added.
Ahmad Fadzli said small businesses were seizing online business opportunities and it was becoming the backbone of communities as people wanted convenience and a safe platform, especially in current times.
“Small businesses are key drivers in job creation and productivity growth.
“Our Information Technology Department has created a culture of innovation for the online business platform that reflects MPK’s commitment to give entrepreneurs an avenue to advance their business, ” he said.
He added that the Companies Commission of Malaysia was a hybrid partner for Klang i-Plaza, where users were allowed to register their businesses online with ease.
“We have to use technology to improve outcomes across every aspect of town operation and enhance the services we offer to residents.
“Our technology department is in the midst of collecting various data including smartphone numbers from ratepayers to be able to send soft copy of assessment bills and other relevant information, ” he said.
He said a paperless assessment bill would require time for data to be compiled.
With regard to the outcome of reshuffling department heads after stepping into office, Ahmad Fadzli said it was all part of the Community Integrity Building (CIB) concept that geared MPK for better organisational performance.
“CIB is not only for MPK staff but for the community, contractors and all those that come into contact with the council.
“It creates an enhanced feedback loop of continuous improvement and vigilance, creating a better community over time, ” he said.
He added that MPK had strengthened its Public Complaints Department as complaints received were resolved in reasonable time.
“We aim to bring MPK closer to the people, which is part of the CIB’s delivery service, where the community gets top priority, ” he said.
Source: https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2021/04/27/working-to-bridge-the-gap