PETALING JAYA: Twelve local authorities have been downgraded under the Local Authority Star Rating System following the introduction of an anti-corruption criterion.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the new evaluation criterion aims to improve Malaysia's position in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI).
"This year, to ensure that our country improves its position in the CPI, we introduced a new evaluation element in the star rating system for local authorities.
"For the first time in history, we have included an anti-corruption element in the system. Due to this new component, I would like to announce that 12 local authorities have had their ratings downgraded.
"However, there are also local authorities that have improved this year. Our goal is to ensure that the star ratings accurately reflect each local authority's performance," he said after the first day of the 2024 Local Authorities Convention.
The Local Authority Star Rating System is a government-implemented system that assesses local authorities' performance and efficiency, helping gauge their adherence to service standards, drive improvements in community service delivery and identify areas for enhancement.
Local authorities are rated based on their performance across categories including financial management, service delivery and administrative effectiveness.
This year's rating also incorporates the 2024 Public Service Corruption Ranking by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, which evaluates local authorities nationwide.
On mitigation measures for local authorities that were downgraded, Nga said they would receive counselling. However, he did not disclose the names of the 12 downgraded authorities.
Nga congratulated the Kuala Pilah District Council, Putrajaya Corporation and Kuantan City Council for topping this year's star ratings.
Each received RM1 million and a certificate, with the allocation to be used for public interest, including markets, food courts, and parks.