KUCHING: The Persatuan Intelektual Pribumi Sarawak (PERANTIS) views that increasing the salaries and allowances of ‘Ketua Masyarakat’ and ‘Ketua Kampung’ (KMKK) or community leaders is important as it boosts their commitment and motivation.
In stating this, its vice chairperson Nelly Tawai said the current rates are deemed inadequate in relation to their responsibilities and the prevailing economic conditions.
“The roles and responsibilities of KMKK are challenging, as they are not only limited to ensuring the welfare, harmony, unity, and social well-being of their communities but also extend to matters such as upholding traditions, customs, and grassroots-level laws,” she said in a statement.
Nelly further said the community leaders in Sarawak play a significant role as facilitators in implementing government policies and initiatives at the grassroots level.
“The last adjustment to KMKK salaries by the Sarawak government was in 2018, with an increase of RM100.
“Thus, the revision should be implemented in line with the increasingly demanding roles, responsibilities, and workload, while also considering current economic conditions,” she said.
With the enforcement of the adjustment, she said the community leaders would be able to focus more on their duties and responsibilities, ensuring they gather feedback from grassroots communities to convey to the government, thereby contributing to comprehensive development in Sarawak.
She also suggested that the community leaders be provided with training and skills courses covering areas such as presentation, protocol, correspondence, programme planning, filing systems, typing, and the use of technology.
“The appointment of KMKK should also be thoroughly reviewed and evaluated. The Divisional KMKK Selection Panel should establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each KMKK.
“If they fail to perform their entrusted responsibilities, they should be replaced with more capable individuals,” she said.
Meanwhile, during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting in November, Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs), Datuk John Sikie Tayai said the Sarawak government is in the final stages of a comprehensive study to revise the salaries and allowances of KMKK in the state.
