THE large number of societies in Sarawak registered under the Registrar of Societies Malaysia (ROS) reflects the active role of community organisations across the state.
Sarawak ROS director Hajiawati Tambi said societies served as important platforms for community unity, while also contributing to social, cultural and economic development.
According to ROS data, there were 5,064 registered societies in Sarawak as of March 31, with 713 based in the Sibu division, including Kanowit and Selangau.
“This represents about 14% of the total societies in the state, making Sibu the area with the second-highest number of societies in Sarawak,” said Hajiawati.
She said ROS was not merely an enforcement body, but also a strategic partner in helping societies strengthen governance and improve administrative efficiency, in accordance with the Societies Act 1966 and its respective constitutions.
While the figures reflected positive growth, she said compliance levels among societies still required attention.
“In Sibu alone, ROS has issued 12 notices under Section 14(2) to obtain further information, two notices of proposed cancellation under Section 13(2), and six cancellation notices under Section 13(1) as of the end of March.”
She said this during a briefing on the Societies Act organised by the Sibu Chinese Association (UCA) in collaboration with Sarawak ROS.
At the event, Hajiawati also encouraged societies to utilise the upgraded eROSES V2.0 digital system to facilitate processes such as registration, committee updates and submission of annual returns.
She added that such briefings should be held regularly as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the government and organisations, while raising awareness of compliance to avoid deregistration.
Also present were Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng and Sibu UCA president Ngieng Hock Teck.
