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Report on AUICK Associate Cities
Kuantan, Malaysia
 Reported by Mr. Alias Mohd. Salleh, Director, Planning and Development, Kuntan Municipal Council, Malaysia
Background
Located 250 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan is the state capital of
Pahang Darul Makmur. The topography of Kuantan is composed of low lying
coastal areas and hilly hinterland, and the city is known as a growth
centre for the eastern region of West Malaysia.
Administration
and Revenue
The city is
administered by The Kuantan Municipal Council, led by the President and
assisted by 24 councillors, who are appointed by the state government,
and 1,323 staff. Expected revenue for 2004 is US $17,087,307 and
expected expenditure is US$17,613,750.
Main Challenges Facing the City
Transport:
The
number of vehicles on roads has increased dramatically and this is
causing many problems, including: traffic congestion, insufficient
infrastructure, lack of parking, unplanned road networks,
unsynchronized traffic lights in the CBD, and poor attitude of road
users toward road rules. To reduce this problem, the city council has
undertaken various traffic management measures by formulating more
comprehensive transport policies that focus on widening and upgrading
roads and public awareness campaigns. The KMC also has a policy that
all applications for mega development must include a Traffic Impact
Assessment (TIA).
Water Management:
Since
2000, water supply has fallen short of demand: currently the city is
able to supply 96% of the city’s needs. Several factors limit
water supply: ageing and deteriorating pipes, water supply plants at
maximum output, lack of coordination between relevant departments, low
water pressure and a lack of funds to meet demands. Plans to upgrade
the water supply system and control water usage are being developed.
Slum areas:
In
Kuantan, most of the squatter settlements are found along the river
reserves or on vacant land belonging to the government or private
owners. There are 9 slum areas in Kuantan which cover an area of 150
km?. These slum areas are inhabited by 2,023 people. The slums are
congested and lack basic infrastructure such as water supply,
sanitation and electricity. The slums have also restricted the
development of infrastructure such as roads, drainage, commercial
centres and housing schemes. The central government and KMC are
developing low cost housing programmes to deal with this issue and the
target is 53,900 units by 2005. To date, 10,000 low cost houses have
been built in the city to accommodate the poor. Role and Relationship with AUICK
Kuantan
personnel have gained valuable insight into urban planning at two past
AUICK trainings. In the future we hope to receive additional technical
training of personnel on planning and urban management. We also hope
for financial assistance for social projects and research into areas
such as sustainable urban transport. KMC proposes that Liaison Officers
meet annually to exchange ideas and knowledge, and we hope that our
relationship with AUICK can be enhanced.
Other Information
As a city
facing problems associated with rapid urbanization, KMC feels a duty to
liaise and work together with relevant government departments and NGOs
to prepare plans of action to overcome these problems, in order to
provide a healthy and prosperous life for all citizens.
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