KUCHING: Sarawak has become the first state in Malaysia to introduce Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Roadmap across all three levels of local councils – city, municipal and district.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the roadmap will guide all 27 local authorities in planning and executing development policies aligned with economic growth, social inclusivity and environmental sustainability.
“The initiative reflects Sarawak’s vision under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to achieve sustainable growth through responsible environmental management.
“And local authorities play important role in that agenda, particularly in the areas of green energy, waste management and green buildings.
“That’s why this afternoon, we are here, to launch SDG Roadmap for all three levels of councils – city councils, municipal councils, and district councils and I think Sarawak is the first one to implement this initiative,” he said.
He said this in his welcoming speech during the launch of Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) For Sarawak Local Authorities officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at a hotel here today (Oct 10).
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, stressed that the SDG roadmap 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.
“Although local government is the third tier of the Sarawak government structure, councillors are 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.
Dr Sim added that councillors must be proactive in implementing people-centric public services such as e-council systems, waste management efficiency, public health, infrastructure maintenance and community engagement.
He also told the councillors that with development responsibilities comes accountability as their appointments were approved by the state Cabinet and consented by the Head of State Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
“It is different from community and village leaders (KMKK). KMKK is at a very simple level. Yours has been consented by the Head of State,” 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.
Earlier, he said that a total of 864 councillors are serving in local authorities statewide, with 94 per cent attendance recorded at the seminar.
“Of these, 70 per cent are women councillors while 35 per cent are first-term councillors,” he said.
