By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Nov 15: The Sarawak government has been urged to review the monthly allowance for community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK), proposing an increase from the current RM900 to at least RM1,200.
Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana highlighted that the current allowance is insufficient given the weight of their responsibilities and the prevailing economic conditions.
“With an increased allowance, KMKK will undoubtedly be more committed to fulfilling their duties, as they play a crucial role in ensuring smooth administration at the village level,” he said during the Sarawak Budget 2025 debate at the State Assembly sitting today.
He pointed out that strengthening the KMKK institution is essential, not only by considering academic qualifications but also through appropriate financial support.
“The duties of KMKK have become increasingly challenging, extending beyond traditional village or longhouse administration,” he said.
Anyi also called for a review of KMKK appointments, noting cases where a single Penghulu oversees as many as 50 villages or longhouses.
“Their workload should be reduced, ideally covering 20 to 30 villages or longhouses, to streamline administrative efficiency,” he suggested.
For Tuai Rumah (village chiefs), Anyi proposed that those managing at least 20 households should be eligible for formal appointment with a Ketua Kaum Appointment Certificate.
“In the Ngemah constituency, for instance, there are eight Tuai Rumah without certificates, even though they oversee more than 20 doors as per appointment condition,” he added.
Anyi emphasised the need to enhance the KMKK institution, suggesting that every newly appointed leader be provided with an Adat Istiadat (Customary Laws) handbook for reference. — DayakDaily
