Community leaders not entitled to RM1,500 monthly minimum wage, says Uggah

Uggah delivering his winding-up speech at the DUN sitting on Dec 1, 2022. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department

By Ling Hui

KUCHING, Dec 1: The RM1,500 monthly minimum wage as set out under Minimum Wages Order 2022 only applies to private sector workers, says Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

He said therefore community leaders and ‘ketua kaum’ in Sarawak do not come under this new ruling.

Uggah was responding to requests from Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang and Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan to increase the allowances for local community leaders.

“The Sarawak government at the moment does not intend to increase the allowance rate for community leaders and ‘ketua kaum’.

“As you already know, their services are voluntary and they are not considered as civil servants,” said Uggah in his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.

The Minimum Wages Order 2022 came into effect on May 1, 2022.

Meanwhile, Uggah, who is also Deputy Premier, said the Sarawak government will consider the proposal from Bukit Semuja assemblyman John Ilus to establish the position of ‘Temenggong Melayu’ in Serian as well as request from Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh to increase the number of ‘penghulu’ in Bau. — DayakDaily