Balingian Proposed For Upgrade To Full District To Strengthen Public Service Delivery
KUCHING: The proposal to upgrade Balingian from a Sub-District to a Full District warrants consideration to strengthen the administrative system, expand access to government services, and stimulate local socioeconomic development.
Balingian Assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi explained that the recommendation takes into account the area's size, population growth, economic development, and the increasing need for public access to government services.
“With Full District status, administrative machinery can be strengthened, the presence of government agencies expanded, and residents can easily access services without relying on distant administrative hubs,” he said.
He said this while debating the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026 at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here on Wednesday.
According to him, elevating its administrative status also has the potential to accelerate infrastructure and public amenity development, thereby solidifying Balingian's position as a new growth center along the Mukah coastal belt.
In a related development, Abdul Yakub also urged that the construction of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Balingian, currently classified as a sick project, be prioritized for immediate recovery and completion.
He noted that implementing agencies must establish a clear completion schedule to prevent prolonged delays that compromise the educational needs of the local community.
At the same time, he expressed hope that efforts to expand clean water, electricity, and telecommunications coverage continue to be intensified, particularly in rural areas that still face a lack of basic facilities.
He also called for attention toward maintenance, upgrading, and extension works on the Balingian–Sungai Anak Federal Road, which connects to the Pan Borneo Highway network.
He added that the route holds potential as an alternative link from Balingian to Bintulu while supporting heavy vehicle movement and industrial activities in the region. — UKASnews
