BY TEH ENG HOCK
As we usher in the New Year, I feel immense pride and gratitude to be part of this incredible community. As a native of Subang Jaya, born and schooled here, and now raising my children in this vibrant city, I am deeply committed to our shared future.
Last year, I was honoured to be elected chairman of the SS17 Rukun Tetangga. It has been a privilege to witness firsthand the strength and unity that define our neighbourhood. Together, not just within the committee but the larger community, we have navigated challenges, supported one another, and found joy in the small moments. This spirit of togetherness truly makes Subang Jaya a special place to call home.
Reflecting on the past year, our SS17 Rukun Tetangga accomplished 20 initiatives and programs. If we consider this as the average, and multiply it across the various Rukun Tetangga and resident associations in Subang Jaya, it’s clear that we live in a bustling, active community. A highlight for me was our 10th anniversary, where we raised nearly RM10,000 for the SJ Community Ambulance. Going bald for the cause was a small price to pay for the generosity and support of our friends and neighbours.
Community management can be volatile, as it involves navigating human emotions and conflicts. As the Rukun Tetangga, our mandate is to foster unity through hosting events, facilitating discussions, and mediating disputes. Despite misconceptions, our reporting line is to the National Unity and Integration Department, a federal department under the Ministry of National Unity, and not the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ).
Many of the complaints we received pertain to MBSJ’s performance, especially regarding the recent assessment rate increase. The dissatisfaction is widespread, with many feeling that MBSJ’s performance does not justify the hike. Basic issues like broken drains, potholes, and poorly maintained trees and parks remain prevalent.
While MBSJ has been responsive to online complaints, it often reflects a reactive rather than proactive approach. Why wait for complaints before acting? Are there teams proactively addressing issues before they become problems?
Throughout the year, I have encouraged residents to route their complaints directly to MBSJ. Empowering residents to take the first step ensures issues are documented. If no action is taken within the promised timeframe, I will personally follow up with our Councillor Naicker using the reference number from the initial complaint. It helps that I sit in the Majlis Perwakilan Penduduk (Resident’s Representative Council) Zone 1, which is chaired by Mr Councillor, together with other community leaders.
The same approach applies to matters involving other agencies such as the police, fire department, schools, and utility companies. We all need to be proactive in addressing issues through the right channels.
When necessary, issues are escalated to our representatives, ADUN Subang Jaya Michelle Ng for state matters and Subang MP Wong Chen for federal matters. They have always been receptive and helpful within their purview.
In a nutshell, to improve Subang Jaya, be a keyboard warrior. Not via social media, but via the Public Complaints Management System on MBSJ’s portal (https://www.mbsj.gov.my/ms/saluran-aduan), the Respons Rakyat mobile app https://mbsj.spab.gov.my/eApps/system/index.do, or through the respective WhatsApp numbers of MBSJ departments.
There are clearly shortcomings to MBSJ. The city council is far from perfect, but we can help them by being their eyes and ears. Keep clicking away and post your suggestions and complaints to them. Let’s help them improve, because an enhanced MBSJ could only result in a better Subang Jaya.
Together, we can drive positive change. 2025, here we come!
*The writer is an active member of civil society, currently serving as SS17 Rukun Tetangga chairman and MPP Zone 1 committee member, and formerly SK Subang Jaya PIBG committee member.
