Full district status sought for Balingian

THE need for Balingian residents to travel to distant administrative centres for government services has prompted a renewed call to upgrade the subdistrict to a full district.

Balingian assemblyman Dr Abdul Yakub Arbi said the area’s growth warranted stronger local administration and a wider presence of government agencies.

“With full district status, administration can be strengthened, the presence of government agencies expanded and residents can access services more easily without having to depend on administrative centres further away,” he said when debating the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Wednesday (Oct 14).

The proposed upgrade would support Balingian’s emergence as a new growth centre along the Mukah coast by accelerating infrastructure development and improving public amenities.

Its size, growing population and expanding economy had also increased demand for government services, strengthening the case for full district status.

Alongside the administrative upgrade, completing overdue infrastructure remains a priority, particularly the SMK Balingian construction project, which has been classified as a sick project.

Abdul Yakub urged the implementing agency to revive the project and set a clear completion schedule to prevent further prolonged delays.

For six approved projects worth RM122.5 million under the Rajang Delta Development Agency (RADDA), he called for closer coordination of design, site selection and tender processes to speed up implementation.

Residents also needed firm timelines showing when planned projects would begin and be completed, and when their benefits would reach the community.

“The success of Sarawak Budget 2027 should not be measured solely by the allocations announced, but by the effectiveness of implementation and how far the benefits of development are actually felt by the people,” he said.