SIBU: The Malaysian Societies Registration Department (JPPM) has been advised to look into the proposal to open its office here to facilitate the administrative affairs of associations that are growing rapidly in this area.
The proposal was voiced by Bukit Assek assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, who saw the urgent need to strengthen access to JPPM services following the high number of active associations in the town.
According to him, the existence of a JPPM office in Sibu can not only speed up the registration and compliance process, but also help improve governance efficiency among associations.
“With the number of active associations here, easy access to JPPM is very important so that all matters can be carried out more smoothly and orderly,” he said when officiating at the Association Act Briefing organised by the Sibu United Chinese Association (UCA) in collaboration with the Sarawak JPPM at UCA’s premises here on Saturday.
He also emphasised the importance of associations switching to a digital management system in line with current demands.
Chieng said that traditional approaches are no longer sufficient to ensure better efficiency, transparency and legal compliance.
He explained that the use of the online system provided by JPPM can help associations manage records, finances and documentation more systematically and accurately.
In addition, he urged association leadership to always increase their understanding of legal aspects, including compliance requirements under the Societies Act 1966.
Meanwhile, UCA chairman, Ngieng Hock Teck, described the proposal to open a JPPM office in Sibu as the right step in supporting the smooth administration of associations in this area.
He said that the increased enforcement of the act requires every association to be more sensitive to compliance aspects to avoid any issues that could affect their operations.
“Even small mistakes can still have major implications for the course of an association. Therefore, closer access to JPPM is very necessary,” he stressed.
He also added that engagement programmes such as the briefing are important in ensuring that all associations always receive the latest information regarding regulations and procedures.
More than 200 representatives of associations and clubs attended the briefing session, which was also attended by director of JPPM Sarawak, Hajiawati Tambi.
