MIRI: A deputy minister has called on local authorities (PBT) to move beyond traditional dependence on government allocations and embrace innovation in revenue generation to better serve the people.
Speaking at the closing of the Sarawak Local Authority Assessment and Taxation Workshop 2025 here on Friday, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, who is Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government said this is because local councils are not only the first point of contact for basic services but also the most important link in ensuring the state government’s policies reach the ground.
“Local authorities form the third tier of administration after the federal and state governments, yet they are the ones closest to the people.
“The effectiveness of the entire government system depends on them. If PBT fail, the government machinery fails. But if they succeed, their success elevates the whole government,” he said.
He pointed out that residents often bring day-to-day issues such as about potholes, flash floods, unkempt grass, water shortages and electricity supply problems directly to their local councils.
This, he said, underlines the importance of PBT in delivering services efficiently and reliably.
In this context, Penguang urged councils to adopt a forward-looking mindset in managing their finances, saying a narrow view of budget surpluses or deficits can limit progress.
“What is more important is our capacity to deliver quality services without compromise. Councils must explore innovative ways to strengthen their revenue streams, ensuring long-term sustainability,” he added.
The workshop brought together representatives from local councils across Sarawak to discuss ways to improve assessment and taxation systems, with the aim of enhancing service delivery and boosting local revenue.
