Local government in Sabah

The local government in Sabah is the lowest level of government in Malaysia. It comes after the federal and state governments. Local governments can collect property taxes, make local rules, and give out licenses for trade.

Local governments also have to provide important services. They take care of rubbish collection and waste disposal. They are also responsible for planning in towns and regions.

District and municipal governments in Sabah follow a law called the Local Government Ordinance from 1961. This law helps decide what community groups should do. After the 1963 state elections, a special state ministry was created. It is called the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. This ministry watches over the work of district and municipal authorities in Sabah.

Foundation of local administration

Sabah is divided into areas called administrative districts. These districts include towns and specific regions. They are managed by groups such as City Halls, Municipal Councils, or District Councils. This system started in 1961. It gives leaders the power to organize and name these districts.

Division to districts

Sabah is split into five main areas: Interior Division, Kudat Division, Sandakan Division, Tawau Division, and West Coast Division. Each area has districts, and each district has an officer in charge. There is also an assistant officer who helps.

The main office for each district is called the District Office (Pejabat Daerah). Districts are often named after their largest town or where the office is. For example, Sandakan town gives its name to the Sandakan district.

Some districts can be split into smaller parts called sub-districts (daerah kecil), meaning "small district". These sub-districts help the district office with some tasks. Being a sub-district is a step toward becoming a full district. Until 2011, Sabah had 11 sub-districts.

Status of administrative districts

Sabah has three types of areas for local government. The smallest is a district run by a district council. A district can become a city if it meets some rules.

For example, Kota Kinabalu had to show things like city growth, places for business and tourism, good roads, schools, and libraries. It also had to be well-known.

Others

Unlike other states in Malaysia, Sabah does not use a special group called mukim. In Sabah, mukim brings together different settlements and villages, but they are looked after by the district offices.

Unlike in Germany, the leaders of City Halls, Municipal Councils, and District Councils in Sabah are chosen by the Minister of Local Government and Housing. They are not chosen by the people. Local laws and rules in Sabah also need approval from the Minister of State to work.