MAYOR RUMAIZI SATISFIED WITH EFFORTS TO ADDRESS URBAN POVERTY IN IPOH

IPOH, March 28 (Bernama) -- Tackling urban poverty in the Perak capital during his five-year stint as Ipoh Mayor has been one of Datuk Rumaizi Baharin @ Md Daud's most fulfilling achievements.

Having assumed the role on April 1, 2020, he acknowledged that addressing urban poverty issues was one of the most impactful and challenging efforts he had to undertake.

“When I first arrived and took on this position, Ipoh was among Malaysia's cities with the highest urban poor.

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“I thought it couldn’t remain that way indefinitely because poverty would push them closer to unproductive activities. So, we mobilised our resources to reach out to them, and the effort has shown positive changes,” the outgoing Ipoh Mayor told a press conference here today.

When asked about his memorable experience leading the Ipoh City Council (MBI), he said receiving the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award in Mexico last year was among the highlights of his career.

The Ipoh-born Rumaizi added that the recognition aligns with the state capital's efforts to become a “Doughnut City”, focusing on regeneration, health, environmental sustainability, and sustainable development.

“I am proud because there are only 197 recipients of this award worldwide since it was established by the United Nations in 1945. In Malaysia, there are only three recipients, and among cities, MBI is the first to receive this award due to our implementation of the doughnut economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, MBI Chief Whip Datuk Mazlan Abdul Rahman described Rumaizi as an approachable leader who is always willing to help people from all walks of life in the city.

“Many issues raised by MBI councillors concerning various areas were resolved quickly without unnecessary bureaucracy.

“The same goes for the MBI Prihatin Aid, which has helped its lower-level staff and other people in need. On behalf of MBI, we would like to thank the Mayor for his dedication and cooperation all this time,” he said.

Rumaizi, 45, holds a Master's degree in Land Administration and Management from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and will conclude his tenure as Ipoh Mayor on March 31.

-- BERNAMA