The Star, Tuesday January 21, 2014
MPSp posts photos of their recent events on its page to keep users updated.
THE Internet has made communication so easy and most people, both
young and old, are using it to disseminate information, find information
and generally stay informed.
Local councils in Selangor have also joined the social media
bandwagon to interact better with residents under their jurisdiction
using Facebook.
The councils can post updates, upcoming events and announcements on
their Facebook page, and their followers would be updated on the latest
activities.
In turn, the followers use the platform to air complaints.
However, the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) Facebook page contains
postings by the public airing their s frustrations over the council’s
services.
User Shaharuddin Abu Kassim has urged MPKj to be more firm with the
contractors, saying:“Please monitor the garbage contractor in Taman
Muhibbah Kajang. The contractors did not follow the rubbish collection
schedule. Last week from Dec 2 to 7 collected twice. This week Dec 9
until Dec 14 collected once. MPKj officers please be firm with the
contractors involved.”
MBPJ includes a page of newspaper clippings to keep followers up- to- date with current happenings. Based on StarMetro’s observation, most of the postings were about rubbish collection by MPKj contractors.
Another user, Shamsudin Abu Bakar said rubbish collection services should be improved.
When contacted, MPKj public relations head Kamarul Izlan Sulaiman
said the Facebook page is under the IT department, with the Corporate
Planning and Public Relations Department supplying information to be
posted on the page.
He said that complaints received would be forwarded to the respective department for action to be taken.
Kamarul said the Facebook page aimed to disseminate information on
events and important announcements to the public, and not for
complaints.
“Social media such as Facebook and Twitter are a great platform for this and reaches a wider audience,” he said.
The MPKj Facebook page currently has 2,253 “Likes”.
Kamarul said the public should use the proper channels to make complaints.
They can call MPKj Hotline at 1-800-88-6755 and the Garbage Complaint Hotline at 1-800-88-1144.
They could also email their complaints to aduan@mpkj.gov.my or log
on to the Selangor Residents Online Complaints System (STARS) at
adu-mpkj.selangor.gov.my/
Other local councils have their own way of handling comments and complaints made on their Facebook pages.
However, the councils also stressed that users should direct their complaints to the hotline numbers or by using STARS.
Sepang Municipal Council (MPSp) president Mohd Sayuthi Bakar said
the council holds a weekly meeting to discuss the complaints received on
their Facebook page. “We do not always get complaints on the page. But
when we do, we ensure we act on it,” he said.
As for the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), its public relations
officer Zainun Zakaria said she responded to the comments made by the
public.
“I also forward complaints received to the relevant departments,”
she said, adding that they received two or three complaints a month on
Facebook.
“Most residents prefer to use STARS as then complaints go straight
to the departments concerned and is more effective,” said Zainun.
MBPJ also uses the Facebook to keep the public informed about happenings in the city.
“It is good to keep residents updated, not only on events but also current happenings,” said Zainun.
Meanwhile, Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) public relations
senior assistant director Asfarizal Abdul Rashid said Facebook is used
as a tool to spread news faster.
Asfarizal said MPSJ Facebook has reached 2,674 likes up until December.
“All the updated news will immediately reach users and the news is
spread faster and more efficiently,” he said, adding that MPSJ also
responds to questions or complaints received.
“Every question and complaint posted on Facebook will be addressed,” he said.
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