In last week’s column, I discussed the important role that community leaders (Ketua Kaum or KKs) play in promoting community development and connecting grassroots needs with government programmes.
This week, I feel compelled to explore the urgent need to increase their allowances to a fair and sustainable level.
It’s clear that KKs take on significant responsibilities. As I mentioned before, they are the main point of contact for various administrative, social, and welfare issues. They often work long hours with little rest to support their communities.
From mediating disputes to coordinating disaster relief, their contributions are essential.
Given these significant responsibilities and their vital role as community leaders, their allowances must be increased to reflect the importance and demands of their position.
Ideally, I propose raising their monthly allowance to at least RM3,500. The current amount, a mere RM900, is far too low to adequately reflect the weight of their responsibilities or support their dedication—especially in today’s tough economic conditions.
It is even below Malaysia’s minimum wage of RM1,500. This discrepancy highlights the need to increase their allowances, ensuring fair compensation for their significant responsibilities and contributions to the community.
Why should RM3,500 be the minimum? My reasoning is based on four key factors: the cost of living, recognition of responsibility, retention and motivation, and strengthening the social fabric.
These pillars emphasise not only the necessity of this adjustment but also the wide-ranging benefits it would bring to KKs and the communities they serve.
It is undeniable that the cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years. Essential goods, utilities, and transportation expenses continue to rise, making it difficult for anyone, let alone someone in a public-serving role, to make ends meet. A monthly allowance of RM3,500 is the bare minimum required to ensure that KKs can focus on their duties without being burdened by financial stress.
Moreover, if we take a closer look, the scope of a KK’s responsibilities extends far beyond mere administrative paperwork.
More often than not, they are tasked with resolving conflicts, organising community events, and implementing government programmes at the local level — all while being on call 24/7. This level of commitment certainly deserves adequate compensation.
It is a legitimate concern that inadequate allowances deter capable individuals from stepping into this crucial role. This is precisely what is happening in many villages across the state, where these positions are often filled by either retirees or less capable individuals, largely due to the lack of adequate and attractive compensation. I’m not suggesting that retirees are not competent, but wouldn’t it be better for us to attract younger candidates who not only possess greater stamina but can also bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to the role?
It would also serve as an excellent opportunity to groom our younger generation to become future leaders, starting from the kampung level and gradually working their way up. Perhaps this should be one of the key approaches adopted to cultivate and prepare the next generation of leaders.
A fair and competitive allowance will help attract and retain qualified, passionate leaders, ensuring they can continue to serve their communities with dedication and effectiveness.
I don’t deny and in fact, acknowledge that some retirees are indeed capable of performing their duties effectively. However, I believe that the majority may not possess the same level of vigour, stamina, and enthusiasm as younger candidates. By attracting younger individuals to these roles, aside from grooming them as future leaders, we can infuse fresh energy and ideas into our communities, ensuring that KKs can meet the demands of their positions more effectively.
Kampungs are the backbone of our country’s cultural and social identity. By empowering KKs with appropriate allowances, the government is indirectly investing in the stability and progress of rural communities, ensuring that no one is left behind in the nation’s development journey.
It is high time for the government to recognise that the KK allowance is not merely a form of compensation but an investment in the community.
How can we expect KKs to earn the respect of the people under their charge or effectively advise their communities on financial matters when their allowance is significantly lower than the minimum wage for employees? Such a disparity undermines their authority and credibility as community leaders.
In many cases, the allowance they currently receive is barely enough to cover the “love gifts” they are expected to give at funerals, birthdays, and wedding parties—events where their presence is often seen as obligatory. This financial strain adds to the burden of their already demanding role.
In addition, they are also obligated to attend events organised by the District or Sub-District Office, as well as those involving local elected representatives.
These commitments further add to their workload and financial strain, making it imperative that their allowances reflect the demands placed upon them.
Therefore, it was encouraging to hear the recent announcement by Public Health, Housing and Local Government Ministry that it would review and adjust allowances for community leaders, and village chiefs (KMKK) across Sarawak starting next year.
As disclosed by the Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs), Datuk John Sikie Tayai, during his winding-up speech at the recent Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting, there are currently a total of 6,921 village chiefs, commonly referred to as Ketua Kaum across Sarawak.
He also told the August House that the last salary review for the KKs was six years ago in 2018.
I hope the proposed review will see KK allowances raised to no less than RM3,500. This will not only honour the KK’s contributions but also ensure that they can continue to serve effectively.
This is not a plea for extravagance but a demand for fairness. The responsibilities that KKs bear should be matched by an allowance that reflects the value they provide to society. Anything less undermines their role and, by extension, the well-being of the communities they serve. Stronger support for KKs means a stronger Sarawak.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
