The Besut District Council was established on 1 January 1981 under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) to replace the Besut Town Council.

There are 3 main cities and 4 settlement centers that play an important role in offering goods, services and administration to residents within the Besut District Council area. The cities are Jerteh, Kampong Raja and Kuala Besut, while the settlement centers consist of Pasir Akar, Jabi, Apal and Alor Lintah.