Local Government in Malaysia

Local Government In Malaysia

The local government or local authority (Malay: kerajaan tempatan or pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT)) is the lowest level in the system of government in Malaysia—after federal and state. It has the power to collect taxes (in the form of assessment tax), to create laws and rules (in the form of by-laws) and to grant licenses and permits for any trade in its area of jurisdiction, in addition to providing basic amenities, collecting and managing waste and garbage as well as planning and developing the area under its jurisdiction.

Local governments are generally under the exclusive purview of the state governments as provided in the Constitution of Malaysia, except for local governments in the federal territories. The federal Ministry of Housing and Local Government plays a role in coordinating and standardizing the practices of local governments across the country.

Local governments are usually referred to as councils (majlis), headed by a civil servant with the title President (Yang Di-Pertua) for rural districts and municipalities, and Mayor (Datuk Bandar) for cities, though there are a few exceptions in the form of "special and modified local authorities". Councillors are appointed by the state governments.

Local government areas are distinct from the districts, which are mainly for land administration purposes. In rural areas, the jurisdiction area of local governments largely correspond to the district boundaries. However, in urbanized areas, local government areas may not be consistent with the district boundaries and may overlap with adjoining districts, as municipal or city boundaries usually do not conform to district boundaries.