Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern warning to local council heads, saying those who fail to carry out enforcement properly should “do their jobs well or go” — as he stressed that weak action at the municipal level is hurting governance and even basic public cleanliness.
Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Ar-Rahimah in Taman Greenwood, Gombak, Anwar said enforcement problems are not just happening at the federal level, but can also be seen at state governments and local authorities.
“Don’t Be Satisfied Yet,” Says PM
According to Anwar, the Cabinet discussed enforcement issues earlier that day, and while he acknowledged that some actions have already been taken, the government cannot afford to be complacent.
“At today’s Cabinet meeting, we discussed enforcement. I know several actions have been taken, but we must not be easily satisfied,” he said, adding that there are still obvious weaknesses in regulatory compliance and on-the-ground enforcement.
Cleanliness, Illegal Stalls, Foreign Worker Issues Highlighted
Anwar pointed to everyday problems that Malaysians often complain about — and said these reflect enforcement that isn’t working the way it should at the local level.
Among the issues he highlighted were:
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Poor cleanliness standards in public areas
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Failure to regulate illegal roadside stalls
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Foreign worker entry and work that do not comply with regulations, including legal violations and improper procedures
He stressed that these problems must be handled firmly and consistently, instead of being left to drag on.
Enforcement Must Start From The Top
The Prime Minister also said reform cannot only target the “small people” on the ground — it must begin from the top, with stronger monitoring and stricter enforcement at senior levels.
He said enforcement and oversight should be strengthened all the way up the chain, including ministry secretaries-general, department heads, directors, and even Cabinet ministers, noting that “decay often begins at the top.”
Actions Will Continue Until Results Show
Anwar added that he has directed for the enforcement actions announced earlier to be continued until they produce clear and positive results for the people and for the country — signalling that the government expects real outcomes, not just announcements.–BERNAMA/MALAYMAIL
