KEPALA BATAS: Seberang Prai is set to see an injection of federal funds after it was declared a city today, making it the 14th city in the country.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said more housing and amenities would be set up in Kepala Batas, Nibong Tebal and Bukit Mertajam.
She hoped that development on Seberang Prai would be on par with Penang island.
Several incentives will be extended to ratepayers by the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) to mark its city status.
“We will disclose the details soon. We would also like to thank all parties for cooperating with MBSP in ensuring that Seberang Prai becomes the newest city in Malaysia,“ newly installed Lord Mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud said.
Earlier, Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Dr Abdul Rahman Abbas proclaimed it a city in the presence of Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and state executive councillor Jagdeep Singh Deo, who is in charge of the local government portfolio. Also present was Abdul Rahman’s consort Toh Puan Majimor Shariff.
The city status was approved by the federal government after it met the criteria of having a population base of over 500,000 ratepayers and exceeding an annual revenue of RM100 million.
MBSP oversees an area of 747.8sq km and it is the largest city council in the country with a population base of around 946,000.
