BUKIT MERTAJAM, June 30 — Residents of Taman Jasa Intan were given the opportunity today to engage directly with government agencies, community organisations and a property developer in a community engagement session aimed at finding practical solutions to local issues rather than merely collecting complaints.

The programme, organised by the Machang Bubuk State Assemblyman's Service Centre, brought together representatives from the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), the Seberang Perai Tengah District Education Office (PPD SPT), the Stray Animal Safe Association (SASA) and developer DNP.

Among the issues discussed were cleanliness, foul odours, fly infestations, sewerage management, stray dogs, public safety, illegal motorcycle racing and local infrastructure concerns.

Machang Bubuk assemblyman Lee Khai Loon said the programme adopted a World Café approach, allowing residents to engage directly with relevant agencies to better understand the root causes of issues, implementation challenges and potential solutions.

He said the initiative was designed to strengthen trust and cooperation between residents, government agencies and community stakeholders through meaningful dialogue.

“If we only gather to lodge complaints, the same problems may continue to recur. However, when residents, agencies and community groups sit down together, we gain a better understanding of each other's challenges and can work towards more effective and sustainable solutions,” he said.

The programme began with a reflection session themed “What Do We Want to Preserve in Our Community?” before representatives from participating agencies delivered brief presentations outlining their roles and ongoing efforts in the area.

Participants were later divided into three discussion groups focusing on environmental and cleanliness issues, public safety and infrastructure, enabling more in-depth conversations with the relevant agencies.

The format allowed residents to present concerns and proposals directly to responsible authorities while receiving immediate feedback and clarification on actions being taken.

As part of its follow-up commitment, the Machang Bubuk Service Centre also introduced a 3-30-90 framework, under which a summary of discussions and an action plan will be shared within three days, a progress report will be issued within 30 days, and a follow-up meeting with residents will be held after 90 days to assess the effectiveness of the measures implemented.

Lee expressed hope that the approach could serve as a new model for community engagement, one that prioritises dialogue, collaboration and accountability.

“A strong community is not only built on a responsive government, but also on residents who are willing to engage, understand one another and work together to solve problems,” he said.