In today’s digital age, the Internet has become essential for accessing information and public services and engaging with the local government.
The Sarawak state is divided into several local authorities, and each local authority is responsible for managing various aspects of governance in its respective region.
Here is a list of local authorities’ websites in Sarawak, which serve as digital hubs where residents can access information about local government services, pay bills, submit complaints, and find updates on city events, planning proposals, and other relevant news:
- Kuching South City Council (MBKS)
Website: https://mbks.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
Kuching North City Hall (DBKU)
Website: https://dbku.sarawak.gov.my
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC)
Website: https://www.smc.gov.my
- Miri City Council (MCC)
Website: https://www.miricouncil.gov.my
- Bintulu Development Authority (BDA)
Website: https://www.bda.gov.my
- Matu Daro District Council
Website: https://matu-darodc.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
- Lundu District Council
Website: https://lundudc.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
- Samarahan District Council
Website: https://samarahan.sarawak.gov.my
- Bau District Council
Website: https://baudc.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
- Sarikei District Council
Website: https://sarikei.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
Although, despite their usefulness, certain elements on these websites can be both helpful and, at times, confusing for residents.
In this article, we will be exploring the interesting features and confusing aspects of Sarawak’s local authorities’ websites.
Some of the key interesting features of Sarawak’s local authorities’ websites are:
Online Payments and E-Services
One of the most useful aspects of these websites is the ability to access various online services.
As an example, residents can easily pay their utility bills, property taxes, and parking fines on some of the local authorities’ websites, such as Kuching South City Council (MBKS), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), and Miri City Council (MCC).
Most websites also provide a link to PayBillsMalaysia portal, an all-in-one online payment platform that allows residents to pay bills anytime, anywhere.
With these platforms, residents can easily settle their bills online, avoiding the need for a trip to municipal offices.
This convenience is particularly beneficial for individuals who are busy and those living in remote areas.
Event Listing and Cultural Promotions
Known for its cultural diversity and heritage, Sarawak’s local authorities’ websites do a fantastic job of promoting regional events.
For example, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) regularly updates its website with information about cultural festivals, public events, and tourism activities.
Whether you’re interested in the Rainforest World Music Festival or the Gawai Dayak celebrations, these websites provide important information for both locals and tourists, highlighting the vibrant cultural tapestry of Sarawak.
In addition, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and Miri City Council (MCC) also provide event details that keep locals and tourists informed about what’s happening in the region.
Aside from fostering a sense of community, this feature also promotes tourism by encouraging people to participate in city-wide events.
Interactive Features and Complaint System
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Matu Daro District Council have user-friendly online complaint systems.
Residents can use these systems to directly notify local authorities about issues such as potholes, malfunctioning streetlights, and subpar public services.
Residents can track the progress of their complaints once submitted.
These practices of openness and engagement contribute to building stronger trust between the local government and its residents.
While Sarawak’s local authorities’ websites have many helpful features, they also present several challenges for users.
Some aspects such as navigation, language accessibility, and service integration can leave users confused or frustrated.
Some of the confusing aspects of Sarawak’s local authorities’ websites are:
Navigation and Website Layout
One of main challenges users face when using the local authorities’ websites is the layout and navigation.
For example, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and Sarikei District Council’s websites have multiple menus, dropdowns, and hidden links, making it difficult for users to quickly find the information they need.
Important information, like public notices and business license application guidelines, can sometimes be hard to find, tucked away in submenus.
This layout can be frustrating for those who are unfamiliar with the websites or those with limited internet literacy.
Mobile Optimisation Issues
Another common issue with local authorities’ websites in Sarawak is their mobile compatibility.
While these websites, for example, Miri City Council’s (MCC) and Kuching North City Hall’s (DBKU) websites look good on computers, they often have display issues on smartphones.
Core elements, such as menus, images, and text, may overlap and appear distorted, making them tough to read.
Given that mobile phones are the go-to device for internet access in many areas of Sarawak, a lack of mobile optimisation can lead to subpar user experience.
Language Accessibility and Regional Variations
As a multicultural state, Sarawak is inhabited by numerous ethnic communities who speak languages such as Malay, English, Bidayuh, Iban, and Mandarin.
However, not all local authorities’ websites offer language options to cater to this diversity.
Some websites may only offer information in Bahasa Malaysia and English.
Additionally, while some websites, such as Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), offer multilingual support, this is not always consistent across all pages.
Improving language accessibility would make it easier for all residents, regardless of language ability, to engage with their local governments.
In conclusion, although Sarawak’s local authorities’ websites are helpful, with the wealth of information and services that contribute to the region’s digital governance, certain aspects such as confusing navigation, mobile optimisation issues, and inconsistent language options can create barriers for users.
Improving these aspects will make the websites more user-friendly while ensuring that all Sarawakians can easily access government services.
By addressing these issues, local authorities in Sarawak will continue to build trust, improve transparency, and increase efficiency, all of which contribute to stronger governance and a more connected community.
References:
- https://mbks.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
- https://dbku.sarawak.gov.my
- https://www.smc.gov.my
- https://www.miricouncil.gov.my
- https://www.bda.gov.my
- https://matu-darodc.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
- https://lundudc.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
- https://samarahan.sarawak.gov.my
- https://baudc.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
- https://sarikei.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
