COURTESY VISIT BY THE SPECIAL CABINET COMMITTEE, SARAWAK PREMIER'S DEPARTMENT TO IPOH CITY COUNCIL

IPOH, 12 JUNE 2026 – Ipoh City Council (MBI) today received a courtesy visit from the Special Cabinet Committee (CABCOM), Sarawak Premier’s Department, led by Dato’ Murshid DiRaja Juanda Jaya, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman). 

The courtesy visit took place at Dewan Azlan Shah, Level 10, Ipoh City Council Building, Jalan Sultan Abdul Jalil, Ipoh at 3.00pm. The delegation’s arrival was welcomed by Ipoh Mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah. 

The programme began with a courtesy call by the Deputy Minister on the Mayor of Ipoh at Bilik Bunga Raya, followed by the arrival of distinguished guests at Dewan Azlan Shah. The ceremony continued with a doa recitation, screening of corporate video and MBI tourism video showcasing the city’s profile, MBI’s role and the uniqueness of Ipoh as an administrative, economic, tourism and heritage destination. 

In his welcoming speech, the Mayor of Ipoh expressed his appreciation to the Sarawak Premier’s Department CABCOM delegation for choosing Ipoh City Council as their working visit destination. 

He described the visit as an important platform to strengthen relations between the two government administrations, particularly in the aspects of governance, integrity, accountability and improvements to the public service delivery system. 

According to him, the visit opened up space for both parties to exchange views, share experiences and examine best practices in organisational management. Among the aspects given attention were financial management, agency revenue sources, budget planning, expenditure control, operational management, development strategies and administrative approaches implemented by MBI. 

As part of the programme, the CABCOM delegation attended a presentation session on Financial Statement Report and Budget Estimates, as well as a briefing on the Fin@Syariah Innovation Project by the Ipoh City Council Treasury Department. 

The session provided a comprehensive overview of MBI’s financial management, covering revenue planning, expenditure control, budget preparation and the Council’s approach to ensuring financial governance is implemented transparently, prudently and responsibly. 

The delegation was also given a briefing on Ipoh Smart City by the Town Planning Department. The briefing highlighted MBI’s efforts in strengthening the smart city agenda via the use of technology, data coordination and innovative approaches to improve city management efficiency and the quality of service delivery to city residents. 

A question and answer session was held to provide space for the delegation and MBI to directly exchange views on policy implementation, city administration challenges, financial management, service innovation and best approaches in strengthening local authority governance. 

The programme at Dewan Azlan Shah was further enlivened by a response speech from the Deputy Minister, presentation of souvenirs, light refreshments and a commemorative photo session. 

The delegation and the Mayor then proceeded to the Ipoh Integrated Operation Centre (IIOC) at UTC Perak for a visit and short briefing session. The visit provided exposure to the delegation on the functions, roles and operational mechanisms of IIOC as an integrated monitoring centre that supports the efficiency of city management, information coordination and improved the quality of public service delivery to city residents. 

MBI also shared information on the role of Ipoh City as the capital of Perak, located in the Kinta District and functions as the centre for administration, commerce, economy, services, finance, education, sports, politics, religion and local economic activities. 

The MBI administrative area covers approximately 643 square kilometres with an estimated population of nearly 880,000 people. Ipoh City is also known for its unique limestone hill landscape, Kinta River and the heritage of Ipoh Old Town and New Town, which form the identity and character of the city. 

MBI reaffirmed its commitment to continue strengthening municipal services, local economic development, urban sustainability, area beautification, revenue management, development regulation, community wellbeing and improving the quality of life of city residents. 

The Ipoh Mayor also stated that the principles of good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability have always been the foundation MBI’s administration in ensuring efficient services, prudent management and decisions that directly benefit the people. 

MBI hopes that this courtesy visit will form the basis for closer cooperation between Ipoh City Council and the Sarawak Premier’s Department, especially in strengthening the public service delivery system, city management, service innovation and effective governance practices.