By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, May 20: The number of local councillors will be increased following the tabling of the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) Minister, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
This will bring the total from 30 to 33 councillors across five local councils, which are: Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Miri City Council, Sibu Municipal Council, Padawan Municipal Council, and Kota Samarahan Municipal Council.
According to Dr Sim, the addition, however, will not include the mayor, deputy mayor, chairman, and deputy chairman.
With the growing population in particular areas, Dr Sim explained that the needs of the constituents will become more diverse and complex.
“Therefore, it is essential for local representatives at the community level to be increased to better serve the needs of the people,” he said.
He also brought attention to the amendment for Section 172A, which is to empower the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri, which seeks to amend all the schedules in the ordinance.
Dr Sim cited the increasing roles and functions of the councillors over the years, serving as the frontliners of the State government, in which the councillors are expected to quickly solve the problems and issues on the ground.
“The city and municipal council are currently overburdened by the various workloads, resulting in slow response times, which trigger dissatisfaction of the people towards the services rendered by the councils,” he said during the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
After three readings and eight debates from the backbenchers, the bill was finally passed.
With the increased number of councillors, Dr Sim believed that the planning and service delivery of each council could be improved, apart from strengthening the link between the leaders and their people.
“This (increasing number of councillors) can lead to more equitable, efficient, and accountable service delivery, which is the ultimate goal of any local government system,” said Dr Sim. –DayakDaily
