THE Sarawak Government is studying a proposal to upgrade Engkilili from a sub-district to a full district to ensure more efficient service delivery for residents.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Law and Customs), Datuk Jefferson Jamit Unyat, said the government has received several applications related to administrative re-delineation in the state, including Engkilili in the Sri Aman division.
“A detailed study is being conducted to assess the need and suitability of the proposal before a final decision is made,” he said when responding to a question from Engkilili assemblyman, Johnical Rayong Ngipa, at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today.
Jamit explained that factors considered in the formation of new divisions or districts include population size, economic potential, the area’s ability to generate government revenue, as well as distance and difficulty of access to existing administrative centres.
“All these considerations are made to ensure that any new division or district truly improves the effectiveness of services to the people,” he said.
He added that a new division must have a population of at least 100,000 and include at least two parliamentary constituencies, while a new district must have a population of at least 25,000.
On plans to upgrade the Engkilili Sub-District Office, Jefferson said the government is planning to build a new office for the sub-district under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
