KPKT appoints “experts” from different fields to help out

• Minister Nga Kor Ming: The appointment of the Panel of Experts is a strategic initiative to harness the knowledge, experience, and expertise of various parties to work together with KPKT, specifically in determining the best policies and programs for the people

KUALA LUMPUR (March 23): The Local Government Development Ministry (KPKT) yesterday presented letters of appointment to 28 individuals who will make up a Panel of Experts (POE) to advise on programmes and policies that help the ministry tackle housing issues, solid waste issues and improving urban environments.

KPKT stated in a media release that the POE comprise those with “expertise and extensive experience” in the areas of housing, local government, urban sustainability, solid waste management, and civil defense services in Malaysia.

"The appointment of the Panel of Experts is a strategic initiative to harness the knowledge, experience, and expertise of various parties to work together with KPKT, specifically in determining the best policies and programs for the people," said Minister Nga Kor Ming at the presentation event held at the JW Marriot Hotel here yesterday.

 “I believe even though they come from different backgrounds, each one of them has a common similarity, which is their patriotism. This is national service,” The Star reported Nga saying.

The experts hail from institutions such as Khazanah Research Institute, House Buyers Association, Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda), Malaysian Bar, Bursa Malaysia, the Malaysian Institute of Architects, and Association of Banks Malaysia, plus academicians.

“I also call on the ministry’s officers to take advantage of the panel members’ expertise,” he added.

Accoring to The Star’s report, Nga said the panel of 25 members set up last year focused mainly on housing issues, while the expanded line-up announced yesterday will take on more areas such as sustainability, town planning, fire and rescue as well as solid waste management.

“That is why we believe it is important we expand so that we get a fair and balanced view. We have chosen Rehda but at the same time did not neglect the National House Buyers Association.

“We do not just listen to one side, we listen to everyone,” he added.