Local government in Malaysia, according to Local Government Act 1971 of Malaysia, means city councils, municipal councils and district councils.
Local governments administering a city are normally called City Council (Majlis Bandaraya). However, there are local authorities which are called City Hall (Dewan Bandaraya). The usage of the term "city hall" is a possible misnomer since a city hall normally refers to the building which houses a city council instead of the local council itself.
Kuantan City Council, having received city status on 21 February 2021, is the newest City Council formed in Malaysia following Klang City Council which received city status on 5 February 2024.
Local governments administering a municipality are called Municipal Council (Majlis Perbandaran).
Penampang in Sabah is the latest local government area to receive Municipal status, having done so 1 April 2024.
Local governments administering a normal district are called District Council (Majlis Daerah).
The following bodies are classified as statutory bodies.