TAWAU: The overall performance of Local Authorities (PBTs) in Sabah has shown remarkable improvement since the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) coalition took over the State Government in 2020, with the revenues of district and municipal councils increasing by up to 10-fold.
State Local Government and Housing Assistant Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih said some local authorities previously recorded only a surplus of around RM70,000, but now have accumulated savings exceeding RM20 million.
He noted that aside from the Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) which has performed exceptionally well with revenues exceeding RM30 million, other councils such as Beaufort, Keningau and Semporna have also shown commendable performance.
“This proves they are working diligently and responsibly… and if anyone claims the Government has failed, they are mistaken. This is a good Government led by good people. We are a Government that doesn’t speak much but works hard, and as a result, we have achieved solid revenues,” he said.
As such, he urged the public to continue supporting the GRS-led Government, which has demonstrated strong performance in terms of State revenue, including that of his Ministry, to ensure continued development for the benefit of the people as a whole.
He said this to the media after officiating the swearing-in ceremony and presentation of appointment letters to Tawau Municipal Council members for the 2025–2027 term at Dewan Sri Tawau, Wednesday.
Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan; Tawau Member of Parliament Datuk Lo Su Fui; and MPT President Joseph Pang.
Meanwhile, Isnin revealed that the Ministry has drafted a proposal to provide a monthly allowance of between RM300 and RM500 to appointed council members, as opposed to the current meeting attendance allowance.
“This proposal will be brought to the State Cabinet for discussion at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) for approval, as it is high time their allowances were reviewed. At present, they only receive RM100 per meeting,” he said.
He also called on all the 24 appointed members, both new and returning, to fully cooperate with MPT for the development of the Tawau district.
“I urge all council members to actively contribute ideas and suggestions, and to attend the meetings diligently, which are only held four or five times a year.
“This appointment should not be seen as a privilege but rather a responsibility and trust to support MPT in providing better amenities and services for the people. That is our duty,” he added.
At the ceremony, a total of 24 MPT council members were sworn in and received their letters of appointment. They include Khanizman @ Abdul Ghanie Pakir Mohd, Sahrol Mahoolop, Ismail Awang, Yap Wui Lip, Maria Wahiya, Maimuna Mahmud, Datuk Lim Yin Kat, Ajami Abdul Wahid, Said Hassan Said Idrus, Yusop Han Alai, Sammi Liew Sam Yi and Tanwali Mohd Tahir.
Also appointed were Shahran Mankati, Muhammad Raiyan Fung Abdullah, Herry Anto Hasanuddin, Ryamond Sung Kok Loong, Nurul Afiqah Afendi, Marini Hassan, Gan Chee Chan, Latsender Lidan, Ho Shau Vui, Lim Men Heng, Mohammad Hafiz Amiruddin and Sitti Nor Fadzilah Japar.
