By DayakDaily Team
BETONG, Sept 26: The structure and number of community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) posts in the Betong Division have been proposed for review to reflect population growth, expanding residential areas and changing community needs.
The proposal includes considering additional or adjusted KMKK positions in suitable areas, particularly large and densely populated villages, to ensure communities receive adequate leadership coverage and improve the delivery of government services at the grassroots level.
Deputy Minister of Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Dr Mohammad Razi bin Sitam, said the review was necessary as the demographic and settlement landscape continued to evolve.
He said the KMKK remained an important component of the State’s community leadership structure and served as a vital link between the government and the people, particularly in communicating government policies, programmes and development initiatives at the grassroots level.
“The scope of duties and responsibilities of KMKK also covers the management of customs and traditions, community welfare, safety and wellbeing, disaster management, land matters, information dissemination, infrastructure development, as well as the management of Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK),” he said as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas).
Mohammad Razi said this in his welcoming speech at the Leaders’ Luncheon with Community Leaders and Village Chiefs held in conjunction with the Sarawakku Sayang Programme at the Betong Division level for 2026, which was attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Dewan Panglima Rentap today.
He said strengthening the KMKK structure would help ensure that the growing needs of communities were addressed more effectively while facilitating closer communication between the government and residents.
The event also provided a platform to strengthen ties between the government leadership and KMKK, as well as to exchange views and hear the voices and aspirations of communities at the grassroots level.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak government has approved a RM400 monthly increase in KMKK allowances as recognition of their service and commitment to the community.
Following the adjustment, the monthly allowance for Temenggung has increased from RM1,600 to RM2,000, Pemanca from RM1,300 to RM1,700, Penghulu from RM1,100 to RM1,500, and Village Chiefs from RM900 to RM1,300.
Mohammad Razi said the Sarawak government valued the contributions of KMKK in maintaining harmony, safety and wellbeing within communities.
He said KMKK not only conveyed government policies, programmes and initiatives to residents, but also acted as a channel for bringing the views, concerns and needs of communities to the government.
The event also reinforced cooperation between the Sarawak government, the Betong Divisional Administration and KMKK in supporting the state’s development agenda and ensuring that government policies and development programmes translated into tangible benefits for the people.
The event was also attended by Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, members of the Sarawak Cabinet, Sarawak Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Sarawak deputy ministers, Betong Resident Datu Richard Michael Abunawas, and State elected representatives. — DayakDaily
