DBKU is responsible for public health and sanitation, waste removal and management, town planning, environmental protection and building control, social and economic development and general maintenance functions of urban infrastructure.

The petition was made by the Chairman of the KMC to the Minister responsible for Local Government, who motioned for a resolution pertaining to the matter.

As it is still a local government authority, its powers and functions as conferred by the KMC Ordinance are maintained with minor changes.

As it is not a local authority, Kuching City North is placed under the jurisdiction of a Commissioner who is assisted by a Board of Advisors.

The city's twin administration was born out of the need for an efficient system which would allow for a balanced development and population distribution for the two territories.