Councillors, state officials essential in delivering services, supporting Sarawak prosperity, says Deputy Premier

KUCHING (Dec 10): Councillors and state officials play a crucial role in Sarawak’s development, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He noted that local councils are often the first point of contact for public concerns, making their role critical in ensuring effective service delivery.

The State Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government also praised Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for its commitment to transparency through weekly Facebook live sessions, and highlighted that the council has maintained assessment rates for decades.

“The council has not increased assessment rates since the 1970s. Why are we doing this? Because all council members and stakeholders work together to help ensure the cost of living does not go up,” he said at his ministry’s award ceremony on Tuesday.

He further called on local councils to maintain high standards, particularly in meeting targets under the Sarawak Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) roadmap.

“Our SDG roadmap — whether at city, municipal or rural district council level—must be above the national average.

“Being above the national average means we perform better than at least 50 per cent, if not more,” he said, adding that Sarawak’s performance currently exceeds the national average and must continue to do so under a ‘higher Borneo Forest standard’.

Despite a projected decrease in state revenue next year to RM14.1 billion, Dr Sim said Sarawak remains far ahead of other states in terms of fiscal strength.

“Johor’s highest-ever budget was RM2.5 billion, Selangor’s is projected at RM3.2 billion, and Penang’s stands at RM1 billion,” he said, noting that Sarawak’s revenue is five to 10 times higher.

Dr Sim also highlighted Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s emphasis on talent development, stressing that education is key to preparing future generations to support the state’s growth.

“The Premier prioritises education because as our prosperity grows, we need more skilled people to sustain it. Today, we are able to undertake infrastructure projects that were once beyond our reach thanks to his leadership.

“Without him, Sarawak would not be where it is today,” he said.