SARATOK: Full council meetings at the district level will soon be held on a monthly basis, compared to the previous frequency of four times annually.
Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang, said this change is to accommodate the increasing responsibilities faced by local authorities (PBTs) over time.
“In this regard, the Ministry will soon implement a change in the frequency of full council meetings for district councils.
“Currently, these councils meet once every four months (quarterly). We will now change this to monthly meetings, including monthly sessions for standing committees,” he said.
“This is to manage the growing number of tasks and demands from the community, who expect the councils to provide support,” he added.
He said this after attending the swearing-in ceremony of Saratok District Council (MDS) members at Dewan Sri Krian on Monday.
Tiang expressed confidence that the change in policy to hold meetings monthly will ensure more efficient and prompt service delivery.
“We believe that by changing this policy, the councils will be better connected to the grassroots and more capable of addressing local issues swiftly and efficiently,” he said.
He also welcomed the appointment of young individuals among the new council members.
“Every council needs fresh blood to take on some of the responsibilities, this is part of shaping future leaders through the local council platform.
“I hope they will learn from the senior councillors, and vice versa, the experienced ones can provide guidance and mentorship.
“The aim is to enhance service quality across all levels and generate better and more diverse perspectives,” he added.
Altogether 32 people took their oath of office as councillors, led by Saratok District Officer Muhammad Dino Amid, who serves as chairman for the term from April 1 to March 31, 2028.
Among the 32 sworn in, four are new faces: Peter Elin August, Bayang Sungkey, Alexander Mula Ging, and Abang Azwan Abang Morshidi.
Kalaka assemblyman Mohamad Duri, Krian assemblyman Friday Belik, and Political Secretary to the Premier, Bell Bernard Aggan, were also present at the event.
