By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 21: Councillors across Sarawak have been reminded not to “just tengok saja” (look only) but to be proactive community builders and agents of change as the State embarks on a crucial phase of its development leap.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian emphasised that councillors serve at the frontline of governance as the direct link between the government and the people, and play a vital role in shaping Sarawak’s future.
“This is Sarawak you know, so don’t just ‘tengok saja’. Even complaints about streetlights and electricity go to you, that shows how close you are to the people. You are the most frontline link between government and the rakyat,” he said when speaking at the Councillors Seminar 2025: Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Sarawak held at a hotel here today.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari officiated the event that brought together 864 councillors from 27 local authorities across Sarawak, including the newly established Gedong District Council, Siburan District Council, and Sebuyau District Council.
Dr Sim said the appointment of councillors for the new three-year term from 2025 to March 31, 2028 is both an honour and a responsibility to serve with dedication and uphold the public trust.
“Your appointment is approved by the Cabinet and consented to by the Head of State. This carries great significance, it is different from community leaders (KMKK),” he noted.
He reminded councillors that their decisions, whether related to public health, waste management, urban planning, housing development, or local business support, directly impact the quality of life of Sarawakians.
“Serve with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Always act in the best interest of your communities, never for personal or political gain,” he urged.
Dr Sim called on local governments to embrace transformation and innovation in line with Sarawak’s Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, saying that local authorities play a critical role in driving economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability.
“We must move towards smart and sustainable cities by adopting digital governance, green infrastructure, and people-centric service delivery, including e-council systems, energy-efficient buildings, and participatory decision-making,” he said.
Dr Sim underscored that public health begins at the community level, through clean surroundings, proper waste management, safe food handling, and vector control.
He urged councillors to promote cleanliness, encourage hygiene compliance, support local health campaigns, and collaborate with enforcement units to ensure rules are implemented fairly.
“Urban well-being is not just about infrastructure — it’s about creating safe, inclusive, and healthy living environments,” he said, urging councillors to promote public parks, support child- and age-friendly facilities, and advocate for road and drainage safety.
On housing, Dr Sim reaffirmed Sarawak government’s commitment to ensure every Sarawakian has access to affordable and sustainable homes, noting that the Premier has announced 20,000 affordable housing units will be built under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
“Local councils must facilitate efficient building approvals and occupation permits while ensuring compliance with planning, safety, and environmental standards,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for teamwork among councillors, local authorities, and the State government to ensure that development benefits every corner of Sarawak, “from Kuching to Limbang, from the coasts to the highlands.”
The event also saw the launch of the Sarawak SDG Roadmap, covering all three levels of councils namely city, municipal, and district to guide sustainable local governance and development.
“Let this seminar renew your spirit of service. Learn, share, collaborate, and innovate for the betterment of your communities. Councillors, you are the community builders and agents of change that will shape Sarawak’s future,” Dr Sim concluded.
Deputy Minister of Public Health and Housing Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Deputy Minister of Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang, Deputy Secretary Datu Buckland Bangik, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Public Health Housing and Local Government Datu Elizabeth Loh as well as mayors and chairmen of 27 councils across Sarawak were present. — DayakDaily
