KUCHING, Nov 23: The Sarawak government should review the allowances of community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) which are currently on the national poverty line income.
In making this call, Tebedu assemblyman Dr Simon Sidang Bada also advocated for the inclusion of KMKK in the bonus allocation anticipated from the Sarawak government.
He disclosed that the current monthly allowance for community leaders is RM1,300, while village chiefs get RM900, and councillors get RM300.
“According to the definition of national poverty level, anyone with income between RM980 to RM2,208 is classified in the B40 or lower income group and potentially falling into the hardcore poverty category.
“This means, community leaders and village chiefs are relatively poor at the national level,” he said when debating Sarawak Budget 2024 in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting at DUN Complex here today.
Dr Simon emphasised that the present remuneration does not commensurate with the duties, responsibilities and the vital role played by KMKK and councillors.
“Therefore, I appeal to the Minister of Finance to consider and revise the allowances allocated to KMKK and councillors,” he said. — DayakDaily
