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KUCHING, April 11: A new and improved headquarters for the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) will soon rise in Semenggok, aiming to provide better services and facilities for the people. This announcement was made by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak.
He said the new MPP HQ will not just be a typical office building—it will become a hub for community engagement and school-level competitions. The state government’s plan is to build it at 12th Mile Jalan Kuching-Serian, with completion targeted within three years.
“This is part of our commitment to enhance public service delivery and support the growing needs of the community,” said Dr Sim during the MPP councillors’ swearing-in ceremony.
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Currently, MPP has over 400 staff, but Dr Sim admitted that manpower shortages remain a challenge—not only for MPP, but also for other local councils, some of which operate with just over 100 personnel.
“My secretary has already raised the matter with the State Secretary. We need more manpower to meet public expectations,” he explained.
At the same event, Dr Sim witnessed the reappointment of Tan Kai as MPP Chairman and the appointment of Mahmud Dato Sri Ibrahim as the new Deputy Chairman. Ten new councillors took their oaths, while 21 others were reappointed.
The New list includes notable names such as Gerald Goh, Alvin Chong among others.
While reappointed are Othman Oman Ibrahim, Madhi Tomi, Jamilah Rakim, Shamsuddin Unai, Samsudin Sapri, Bassiron Latep, Norolhadi Dolla Sabari, Wilarmy Geniron Jebron, Stephen Jatu Sawet, Felix Ngui, Walter Suhai, Yeo Shin Huat, Phang Kit Lung, Aaron Tay, Philip Liaw, Chen Chee Joong, Chong Nyuk Fah, Goh Teck Joo, Lim Lian Kee, Jackie Sim Hui Hui, Tito Grabo Teyok, Lee Yen Huei, Leng Chai Mendu, Mohamad Fauzi Ali, Roselin Lasek, Niput Ahip, Mark Kellon Awo, Lt Kol Monday Juhid, and Ronnie Hii.
Dr Sim also addressed concerns regarding councillor allowances. While staff previously received bonuses, councillors were excluded. However, the state government may review the allowance policy by June or July this year.
He reminded everyone that all councillor appointments must be approved by the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, highlighting the importance of their roles.
“Councillors are the face of the state government. They must act responsibly and be accessible to the people,” he stressed.
MPP, formerly known as the Kuching Rural District Council (KRDC), was founded in 1956 and actually predates the Sibu Municipal Council. Today, Sarawak has 29 local authorities, including three city-level councils: MPP, Sibu Municipal Council, and Kuching South City Council.
Padawan covers over 81,000 properties and is home to about 350,000 residents—almost half of Kuching’s total population.