KOTA MARUDU: Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Hendrus Anding, has called on members of the local authority council to adopt a more active and hands-on approach in discharging their responsibilities, with the goal of advancing development and improving public service delivery within the district.
Speaking during the Swearing-In Ceremony and Presentation of Appointment Letters to newly appointed members of the Kota Marudu District Council for the 2025–2027 term on Monday, Hendrus emphasized that the roles of council members go far beyond ceremonial appointments.
Their participation, he said, is integral to reinforcing the operational capabilities of local councils and ensuring their functions remain aligned with the needs of the people.
“It is the government’s aspiration that PBT services are continuously enhanced—not only in terms of efficiency and transparency but also in their ability to respond to public concerns in a structured, swift, and comprehensive manner,” said Hendrus, who also serves as the Assemblyman for Tandek.
Among the pressing challenges highlighted was the issue of illegal settlements, particularly those involving undocumented immigrants on government and private land.
Hendrus pointed out that these encroachments have given rise to various social and security issues in the district.
He stressed the importance of close coordination between the PBT and relevant enforcement agencies to address the issue in a concerted and effective manner.
“The PBT must work hand in hand with law enforcement and relevant stakeholders to ensure illegal occupation is dealt with systematically and in accordance with existing laws,” he said.
In addition to enforcement responsibilities, Hendrus urged council members to proactively contribute to poverty reduction efforts by initiating targeted welfare programs, particularly in underserved and rural communities. He noted that local authorities have a pivotal role in supporting vulnerable groups by facilitating access to aid and economic opportunities.
He also called for greater support for local entrepreneurs and small business operators. Among the measures proposed were streamlining the business licensing process and enhancing public amenities to support the local economy.
“The PBT should ease the burdens faced by local traders by accelerating the issuance of business licenses and removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles,” he said.
“When we make it easier for small businesses to operate, we’re also boosting the local economy and creating jobs.”
Furthermore, Hendrus underscored the need for local councils to adopt a long-term vision when planning physical and infrastructural development projects. He urged members to pursue initiatives that are not only sustainable and well-organized but also deliver tangible, lasting benefits to the community.
Hendrus reminded the newly appointed council members that their positions come with a weighty responsibility to act in the public interest.
“The trust placed in you by the government is not a privilege but a duty to be fulfilled with integrity and dedication,” he said. “Each decision and policy must prioritize the welfare of the people.”
He also encouraged PBT officials to remain open to feedback from residents, emphasizing the importance of two-way communication in fostering public trust and ensuring responsive governance.
“Listening to the people, acknowledging their concerns, and taking timely action are essential aspects of good governance. As public servants, we must be accessible and accountable,” he added.
The ceremony was also attended by Kota Marudu District Council Chairman Meirin Sugarah and Executive Officer Abdul Sani Arsat, along with various local leaders and community representatives.
The event marked the formal beginning of the 2025–2027 term for the district’s council members, who are expected to play a key role in shaping the future of Kota Marudu through effective governance, policy-making, and community engagement.