By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 22: Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan (GPS-PBB) has urged the Sarawak government to reinstate the ‘Elaun Bertugas di Kawasan Pendalaman’ (EBKP), the hardship allowance for civil servants working in remote areas, to help attract and retain professionals in isolated districts such as Song in the Kapit Division.
Speaking during the debate on the TYT’s address at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today, Lidam stressed that the termination of the EBKP in Jan 2024 has had a demotivating effect on job applicants and existing government personnel serving in interior regions.
“I received information that even successful candidates offered permanent posts in grade 5 and 9 rejected the offers outright after learning that the postings were in Kapit Division.
“This shows how difficult it is to convince people to serve in remote districts like Song, and how crucial incentives like EBKP were in making such postings more acceptable,” he said.
Lidam emphasised that without additional allowances, there is a growing disparity in staffing levels and professional expertise between urban and rural areas, depriving remote communities of qualified personnel.
He also highlighted the sacrifices made by current civil servants working in Song, who often have to leave behind their families and hometowns to serve in challenging environments.
“These are not small sacrifices. They are real commitments that deserve meaningful recognition,” he added.
Reinstating EBKP, he said, would be a concrete way to acknowledge the challenges faced by those serving in underdeveloped areas and to support equitable development across all regions in Sarawak.
Song District, like much of the Kapit Division, still requires extensive development, and Lidam acknowledged the essential contributions of both federal and state agencies, as well as the cooperation of local communities and civil servants.
“It is almost impossible to achieve progress in rural areas without the tireless cooperation and commitment of those on the ground,” he said, adding that renewed support through EBKP would help sustain this momentum. — DayakDaily
