Districts serve as Malaysia's second-level administrative divisions, with 147 districts operating beneath the state level across the country. Each district functions as the primary unit for implementing federal and state policies at the local level, typically administered by a District Officer who represents the state government. Districts handle essential public services including land administration, local infrastructure coordination, civil registration, and welfare programs. They act as intermediaries between state governments and smaller localities, facilitating communication and resource distribution throughout their jurisdictions. District offices process documentation such as identity cards, birth and death certificates, and land matters, making them crucial points of contact between citizens and government administration. The boundaries and size of districts vary considerably depending on population density and geographical factors, with urban districts generally covering smaller areas than their rural counterparts.