Dr Sim: Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 to boost councillor numbers, improve local governance
KUCHING (May 20): The Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 is a crucial step forward in strengthening local governance and ensuring that the voices of Sarawakians are better represented and heard, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Tabling the Bill for its second reading during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the amendments were timely and necessary to address the growing and evolving needs of Sarawak's urban and rural communities.
'The latest amendment to the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 (CAP 20) was made in 2020. It is now considered necessary to update the provisions in the Ordinance to keep up with current developments and meet the expectations of our time,' he said.
He also revealed that currently, there are 27 local councils under the purview of his ministry, including the newly established Gedong District Council, Sebuyau District Council and Siburan District Council, all of which are governed through the councillorship system.
He noted that with rapid population growth, especially in areas under major councils such as city and municipal councils, the demands of residents have become more complex and diverse.
'To address this, the Bill proposes amendments to Sections 10, 10A and 11 of the Ordinance to increase the number of councillors in five key councils such as Kuching South City Council, Miri City Council, Padawan Municipal Council, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council and Sibu Municipal Council, from 30 to 33, excluding the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Chairman.
'This increase will allow for greater local representation at the grassroots level and ensure that the needs of our communities are better served,' he said.
Another key provision in the Bill he said is the proposed amendment to Section 172A, which will empower the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (State Cabinet) to amend all schedules in the Ordinance more efficiently.
Dr Sim stressed that councillors have taken on significantly expanded roles in recent years, often working beyond normal hours to respond to local issues and public concerns.
'Currently, the city and municipal councils are overburdened by various ward laws, resulting in slow response times and public dissatisfaction with local services,'
'By increasing the number of councillors, we can improve responsiveness, strengthen community engagement, and enhance service delivery to the public,' he said.
He emphasised that councillors are essential policymakers at the local level, responsible for ensuring that community priorities are reflected in council decisions, handling public complaints, advocating for improvements, and upholding service standards.
'The councillorship system promotes inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring that development in Sarawak is people-driven and locally relevant,' he said.
Dr Sim concluded by urging members of the House to support the Bill, saying its passage would help fulfil public expectations for more efficient and effective local government services.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
25 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
Poisons Act amended: Expanded powers for police, broader enforcement scope
PUTRAJAYA, July 29 — The Dewan Rakyat passed the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 yesterday, signalling the government's continued commitment to curbing the misuse of controlled substances through more robust and inclusive enforcement. In a joint statement today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Home Ministry (KDN) said the Bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement under the Poisons Act 1952, which governs the use, possession, and distribution of poisons and psychotropic substances in Malaysia. 'These amendments are intended to allow for faster, more comprehensive and responsive action in addressing threats to public health and national security,' the ministries said. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by 12 Members of Parliament from both the government and the opposition. Key provisions include expanding enforcement authority to all police officers regardless of rank, and to other officers appointed by the health minister — including those from other ministries or agencies — as needed. Under the current provisions, only three categories of officers have enforcement authority — Drug Enforcement Officers (pharmacists in the public service), police officers ranked Inspector and above, and senior Customs officers. 'However, in practice, patrol and inspection duties are usually carried out by lower-ranked officers such as constables and corporals. Therefore, expanding enforcement powers to all police personnel will improve operational efficiency and coverage,' read the statement. The Bill also addresses enforcement gaps in areas where authorised officers are not present. The health minister is now empowered to appoint other officers, under set terms and conditions, to assist in enforcement when needed. Additional focus has been placed on enhancing officer training, supervision, and coordination of control over listed poisons and prohibited substances, including those found in vape products, to ensure stronger safeguards for both public health and national safety. — Bernama
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Poisons Act amendment boosts enforcement in Malaysia
PUTRAJAYA: The Dewan Rakyat passed the Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 yesterday, signalling the government's continued commitment to curbing the misuse of controlled substances through more robust and inclusive enforcement. In a joint statement today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Home Ministry (KDN) said the Bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of enforcement under the Poisons Act 1952, which governs the use, possession, and distribution of poisons and psychotropic substances in Malaysia. 'These amendments are intended to allow for faster, more comprehensive and responsive action in addressing threats to public health and national security,' the ministries said. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by 12 Members of Parliament from both the government and the opposition. Key provisions include expanding enforcement authority to all police officers regardless of rank, and to other officers appointed by the Health Minister — including those from other ministries or agencies — as needed. Under the current provisions, only three categories of officers have enforcement authority - Drug Enforcement Officers (pharmacists in the public service), police officers ranked Inspector and above, and senior Customs officers. 'However, in practice, patrol and inspection duties are usually carried out by lower-ranked officers such as constables and corporals. Therefore, expanding enforcement powers to all police personnel will improve operational efficiency and coverage,' read the statement. The Bill also addresses enforcement gaps in areas where authorised officers are not present. The Health Minister is now empowered to appoint other officers, under set terms and conditions, to assist in enforcement when needed. Additional focus has been placed on enhancing officer training, supervision, and coordination of control over listed poisons and prohibited substances, including those found in vape products, to ensure stronger safeguards for both public health and national safety. - Bernama
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Telang Usan rep urges rural students to embrace higher education opportunities
Yap (third left) officiates the Tegas Project of Dream Realised (Pro-DR) roadshow 2025 on behalf of Dennis at SMK Long Lama, Baram yesterday as others look on. MIRI (July 29): Rural students are urged to seize the opportunity to further their studies to higher levels, taking advantage of various financial assistance schemes and other educational initiatives provided by the Sarawak government for a brighter future, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau. He said the Sarawak government has, over the years, taken proactive measures in the education sector to ensure that all Sarawakians, including those in rural areas, have access to quality education and the chance to improve their standard of living. 'Among the steps taken are through the state government's scholarship and financial aid programmes, which include various forms of scholarships, education loans and financial assistance such as the Yayasan Sarawak Scholarships, Yayasan Sarawak Study Loans and the Sarawak Tertiary Education Loan (STEL),' he said in his speech at the for Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) Project of Dream Realised (Pro-DR) roadshow 2025 held at SMK Long Lama, Baram yesterday. His speech was delivered by his representative, Penghulu Desmond Yap. He further noted that the establishment of the Yayasan Sarawak International Schools is also a commendable initiative as it provides opportunities for high-achieving students from low- and middle-income families to access international-standard education either for free or at subsidised rates. Dennis, who also sits on the board of trustees for Tegas said the state government is equally attentive to the welfare of students in rural areas by working closely with the federal government to upgrade dilapidated schools and enhance educational facilities in the interior. 'These measures clearly reflect the Sarawak government's strong commitment to empowering its people through education, with the aim of nurturing competitive human capital prepared to face future challenges,' he added. On the outreach roadshow, Dennis said that the roadshow programme is a travelling education and career carnival organised by the Sarawak government through Tegas, with the support of the state Education Department. 'This edition of the roadshow features the participation of more than 30 institutions of higher learning and training, government agencies, and organisations offering financial assistance,' he said. He added that the main objective of the roadshow is to help rural students pursue their dream careers through education, regardless of their academic qualifications. 'Aside from the education fair and information booths on financial assistance, there are also side activities such as talks, exhibitions and interactive sessions aimed at raising awareness on digital innovation opportunities in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), within the context of the digital economy,' he said. He called on all students, especially those in rural areas, to make full use of the opportunity to visit the booths and gather information about study opportunities, available courses and financial aid options. At the same function, Dennis also announced an allocation of RM15,000 for the establishment of a Tegas Think & Thinker (T&T) mini lab at SMK Long Lama. 'This is part of our efforts to improve the quality of education for students in the area, ensuring they are not left behind in terms of technological knowledge and that they have the opportunity to explore their talents in the field of innovation,' he said. Among those present were Telang Usan district officer Ezra Uda, SMK Long Lama's senior assistant (administration) Ting Shiau Kiong, Tegas Community Innovative Learning senior manager Fredrick Kevin Buseli and SMK Long Lama Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Geoffrey Lejau Lucas.
