Kota Kinabalu: The title of Assistant District Officer for Sub-Districts has been upgraded to Sub-District Officer with immediate effect.
Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Jahid Jahim, who announced this, said the move was taken by the State Government through the Rural Development Ministry (KPLB) to recognise their significant role as heads of department in their respective sub-districts.
AdvertisementHe said that although this change does not involve any amendment to the job grade, it provides an official status in line with the weight of responsibilities shouldered by the officers concerned.
“They are not merely assistants but are, in fact, department heads in sub-districts who lead administration, coordinate development and serve as a bridge between the Government and the people. Therefore, this new title is appropriate in acknowledging their position,” he said at the 28th Sabah District Officers Conference at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru here Thursday.
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Jahid expressed confidence that the recognition would serve as a morale booster for civil servants at the sub-district level, while also enhancing their image in the eyes of the local community.
Advertisement At the same time, he also emphasised the vital role of district officers and sub-district officers as the frontline of the State Government in driving the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda.
“Your efficiency, transparency and wisdom in carrying out your trust will determine the success of government policies. Well-planned district development will lead to the people’s wellbeing,” he said.
Advertisement Held under the theme “Progressive Districts, Prosperous People”, this year’s conference brought together district officers to discuss administrative challenges, exchange views and seek solutions towards strengthening district development in Sabah.
Jahid also proposed that KPLB conduct project monitoring meetings in all districts at least once every two months to ensure that every development project is closely supervised and completed on schedule.
As of August 2025, he said, his ministry had spent RM281.26 million from the RM326 million development allocation, equivalent to 86.28 per cent, with most projects now in the process of payment to the treasury.
He expressed confidence that all projects under KPLB would be completed according to schedule, thereby delivering impact to rural communities.
The 28th Sabah District Officers Conference is expected to serve as an important platform to strengthen cooperation among district administrators in enhancing their respective roles for the wellbeing of the people.
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