(From left) Petaling Jaya councillor Ahmad Akhir Pawan Chik, Petaling jaya Town Planning director Sharipah Marhaini Syed Ali, Gasing Indah RT chairman Eric Chew, Johary and councillor Ariffin Mahaiyuddin at the Sustainable Community Award Petaling Jaya 2016 launch.
COMMUNITY empowerment is the way forward for a sustainable society and the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is calling for entries to the Sustainable Community Award Petaling Jaya 2016 from now until Oct 14.
The award is open to associations, organisations, groups and outstanding youths and the winning teams for each category will receive grants worth RM30,000.
The categories consists of Environment Initiative Award, Economy Initiative Award, Cultural and Community Initiative Award, Best Management Award and Habitat Initiative Award.
Youths could contest individually or in groups and the grand prize is RM10,000. The runner-up gets RM5,000 and the third prize is RM3,000.
The programme is part of the council’s commitment towards Local Agenda 21 where public participation is given due importance.
The council first introduced the award in 2001. Based on the council’s studies these programmes have proven successful, judging by the active public engagement.
Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Johary Anuar said the city received overwhelming support at any town hall session.
“During town hall sessions, we sometimes come face-to-face with thousands of residents who express their views.
“They would come with their neighbours and this is something rare in other local authorities. This engagement and spirit of togetherness is what we have fostered throughout the years,” said Johary, who encouraged more residents to embark on positive community initiatives which could be exemplary and inspirational for others.
In this year’s awards, the winners would be judged based on either the success of their programmes or on project proposals.
The grant prize money will be released to the community only based on their strong proposals or impactful community efforts, said Johary.
The panel of judges are industry experts such as the Malaysian Institute of Planners honorary secretary Datin Mazrina Abdul Khalid, Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Ministry division secretary Datuk Hafidzah Hassan, Childline Malaysia project officer Datin P.H. Wong and Universiti Teknologi Mara Communications and Media Studies lecturer Hariyati Ariffin.
For enquiries, email sustainablecommunitymbpj@gmail.com or call 03-7956 3544.
