Shah Alam and Klang are set to establish dedicated community mediation centres aimed at resolving neighbourhood disputes without involving formal authorities, Selangor state officials announced. The initiative, launched this week, seeks to address common residential conflicts through dialogue and mutual agreement rather than escalating issues to the police or other enforcement bodies.
Datuk Rizam Ismail, chairman of the Selangor rural development, unity, and consumer affairs committee, confirmed that Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) have been selected as pilot locations for these mediation centres. MBSA has repurposed an unused hall in Setia Alam and completed upgrades to accommodate the new service.
The Selangor National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) will oversee the mediation process by providing trained, accredited community mediators. MBSA’s role will be limited to offering the venue and screening complaints to identify suitable cases for referral. Mediation will focus on minor disputes such as noise complaints, pets entering neighbouring properties, encroaching tree branches, and other typical residential disagreements.
“Community mediation has already begun, but by establishing dedicated premises, we aim to raise public awareness and improve accessibility to these services,” Rizam said during the launch of the Shah Alam Neighbourhood Campaign, held in conjunction with MBSA’s World Environmental Health Day celebration.
Under this framework, MBSA will review incoming complaints and hand over appropriate cases to JPNIN mediators, who will facilitate discussions toward amicable resolutions. Rizam emphasized that mediators play a crucial role in helping parties reach mutually acceptable solutions, potentially reducing the burden on law enforcement.
To broaden the reach of mediation efforts, training has also been provided to village heads across Selangor to equip them with foundational skills for managing conflicts in rural and traditional village communities. The state government plans to expand the mediation centres to all 12 local authorities within Selangor.
Shah Alam’s deputy mayor, Madiyan Baweh, highlighted that this campaign marks MBSA’s first implementation of the “Jiran 5S” concept, which promotes five core neighbourly values: sapa (greet), senyum (smile), salam (greetings), sayang (care), and sepaket (cooperate). He described the initiative as part of a broader effort to foster healthier, more resilient communities.
Madiyan also noted that environmental health efforts extend beyond cleanliness to encompass disease prevention and the creation of safe, healthy environments for residents. The mediation centres are intended as a component of these comprehensive community health and wellbeing strategies.