MIRI: A three-week city transformation lab has set the tone to bring Miri up to speed in its endeavour to become a Green, Smart, Most Livable International Resort City by 2030.
And state Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin wants Miri City Council to ensure all plans are translated to action to produce the desired outcomes.
“The council needs to innovate, adopt new strategies and approaches to overcome the unprecedented challenges ahead as well as to cope with the rising expectations of the people,” he stressed at the closing of the lab on Monday.
He said the application of digital technologies and the new work-culture have created new opportunities as well as challenges to all who are involved.
“Understandably, not all will be able to adapt to changes and in fact, some are accustomed to their comfort zone rather than being ready to adjust their mindset in facing the unknown world of changes,” he said.
The lab was held under the auspices of the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu).
“During the three-week lab involving staff and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) they were given the chance to deliberate and draw up the focus areas and plan of action to realise the refined aspirations of Miri city,” Lee said.
“The council should start immediately with improving the effectiveness and efficiency of its basic fundamental roles and responsibility on proper maintenance of infrastructures such as roads, drains, grass-cutting, beautification, public parks and other amenities, as well as cleanliness.”
Lee was representing Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Sri Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The government, Lee said, has been mindful and consistent in urging government agencies, from time to time to upgrade their services so that their roles and functions are still relevant and not obsolete.
“The City, Municipal and District Councils are the government agencies which are closest to the rakyat. Their daily services have an impact on the rakyat and their ability to serve the rakyat efficiently will correspondingly reflect the capability of the government,” he said.
Also present were Pemandu CEO Dato Sri Idris Jala and Miri Deputy Mayor Ariffin Mohamad.