Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak (picture) said the National Council for Local Government, which met today, laid down 23 steps under the concept to improve the quality of life in cities and towns.

He said the Safe City Concept, formally adopted today, was based on the premise that safety was the combined initiative of residents, local councils and police.

The local authorities, he said, would erect steel fences to separate walkways from roads to ensure the safety of pedestrians and to deter snatch thefts.

Street lights will also be installed along back lanes and police stations will be built in as many areas as possible.
Local authorities will be tasked to clear dark, dank and dirty places, identify crime-prone spots and install CCTV cameras where necessary.

"Local authorities will be instrumental in this effort to make our cities and towns safer, not just in terms of crime prevention, but also in providing safe facilities for all including the disabled and the old."

Najib said State Governments must ensure that all 145 local governments monitor and implement the concept. Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting, meanwhile, said it was the responsibility of State Governments to ensure their local authorities adhered to the guidelines.

"They should know what to do if local authorities under their purview failed to adhere to the guidelines." Najib, who chaired the council's 52nd meeting, said it also adopted 64 proposals to enhance the role of local authorities.

A grading system to ensure the cleanliness of public amenities and business premises will also be put in place.
"The presidents and secretaries of local authorities should have a system where they can initiate spot checks and see for themselves how premises are maintained."

Najib said the committee also approved the guidelines for signboards on business premises. "There has been some confusion over this."

The guidelines state that if a company registers its name with the registrar of companies and it is patented, it will be allowed to use the registered name on the premises without having to translate the signs.

He said this provision was extended to patented brand names and local authorities should not force business operators to make changes just to localise their names.