KUCHING (Oct 21): Sarawak’s local councils have been tasked with leading the implementation of smart and sustainable development under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 through the newly launched Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Roadmap for Local Authorities, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian.

Dr Sim, who is also Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the roadmap will guide all 26 local authorities in planning and executing development policies aligned with economic growth, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.

“In this new term, our local government must continue to embrace transformation and innovation.

“We are moving towards smart and sustainable cities guided by PCDS 2030,” he said in his welcoming speech at the Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Sarawak Local Authorities seminar at a hotel here today.

He said the SDG roadmap covers city councils, municipal councils and district councils and would ensure development policies benefit both urban and rural communities across Sarawak.

“The local authorities play a key role in driving our economic prosperity, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Dr Sim stressed that councillors must be proactive in delivering people-centric public services, including the adoption of e-council systems, improving waste management efficiency, strengthening public health, maintaining infrastructure and enhancing community engagement.

He pointed out that although local government is the third tier of Sarawak’s administrative structure, councillors remain at the frontline of public service delivery.

“All the complaints go to you even though street lights are not under you, still they go to you. Even if the water pipe bursts, they also go to you. It means the public recognises you,” he said.

He reminded councillors that with development responsibilities comes accountability, as their appointments were approved by the State Cabinet and consented to by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri.

“It is different from community and village leaders (KMKK). KMKK is at a very simple level. Yours has been consented to by the TYT,” he said.

Dr Sim said this term is also the first time councillors will serve a three-year term instead of two years, which reflects the importance of continuity in development planning.

“Your selection is both an honour and a responsibility to serve the people and to uphold the trust placed in you by your respective community and the government of Sarawak,” he said.

He noted that a total of 864 councillors are serving in local authorities statewide, with 94 per cent attendance recorded at the seminar.

Of these, he said, 70 per cent are women councillors while 35 per cent are first-term councillors.

Dr Sim also reminded councillors to carry out their duties with integrity, transparency and accountability.

“You must always act in the best interest of your communities and never for personal or political gain,” he said.

Among those present were Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg who launched the event, State Deputy Ministers of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, Datuk Michael Tiang, Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng and others.