KUCHING: Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) is encouraged to establish a formal sub-committee, structured to function in a role similar to councillors.

Tanjong Batu Assemblyman, Johnny Pang Leong Ming said that his constituency, which falls under the jurisdiction of BDA, is not under any Municipal Council or District Council.

“As it stands, BDA is not structured with councillors as provided under the Local Authorities Ordinance. This creates a governance gap, especially on the ground level.

“Unlike municipalities where appointed councillors represent zones, handle local issues, and engage residents directly, constituencies under BDA lack this grassroots machinery,” he said.

He said this during the debate session for the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2025 at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting on Tuesday.

Johnny suggested that this sub-committee could be established under whatever permissible framework that may be incorporated into the Bintulu Development Authority Ordinance or by administrative delegation.

According to him, these sub-committees could be area-based to represent major zones within Bintulu town and nearby areas, composed of community leaders, civil society reps, and stakeholders.

“It should be empowered to receive, investigate, and recommend solutions to local complaints, and most importantly, serve as the bridge between BDA and the rakyat on the ground.

“If necessary, a policy paper or subsidiary regulation may be issued to formalise this under BDA’s operational mandate—since Section 5 of the BDA Ordinance empowers the Authority to form committees for specific purposes,” he said. -UKASnews