JKKK secretaries be paid RM300 monthly allowance starting this month

Uggah (third left) acknowledging support for GPS from some grassroot leaders in Melabu Bair, Ulu Layar.

BETONG, Feb 24: Village Security and Development Committees (JKKK) secretaries in Sarawak will get a monthly salary of RM300 each.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said it was an unprecedented measure but the Sarawak government has decided to pay the RM300 to JKKK secretaries starting this month.

“This enhancement is a recognition of the important roles of JKKK in community development. Our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has very high regards for the JKKK because they existed since the White Rajah’s era.

“Therefore, I advised all JKKK to double their efforts in their service for the people,” Uggah said at Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) roadshow in Ulu Layar yesterday.

The Sarawak Cabinet in its recent meeting has also agreed to empower JKKK towards community development tasks.

“Our JKKK has a bigger role to play now. We have decided that they will be directly involved in the implementation of rural transformation projects. These include longhouse repairs or construction of surau and jetty,” Uggah added.

Previously such projects will be tendered out, Uggah said, whereas this time, there will be two options to carry out projects by either on gotong royong basis or appointing their own contractor.

“Either way, they will have to consult the state Public Works Department (JKR) or the relevant agencies for the design, cost and progress monitoring,” he asserted, adding that the state government will provide the fund which will be channelled to the respective JKKK. — DayakDaily