KUCHING: A comprehensive study to revise the salaries and allowances of ‘Ketua Masyarakat’ and ‘Ketua Kampung’ (community leaders) in Sarawak is expected to be presented to the Appointment of KMKK Special Committee soon next year.
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said State Secretary (SS) Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki had been tasked to oversee the matter.
“Once the study is completed, it will be presented to the ‘Jawatankuasa Khas Pelantikan KMKK’ (Appointment of KMKK Special Committee), of which it is supposed to be next year,” he told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
He added it is a holistic study that also includes reviewing the allowances of councillors and KMKK.
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 community KMKK in the state.
The last salary adjustment for KMKK was in 2018.
Meanwhile, Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan said it is timely to have the salaries of the community leaders revised.
“The current rise in cost of living warrants a timely revision of allowances or salaries of our community leaders throughout the state.
“Moreover, the responsibilities and the burden carried by these community leaders are more challenging now,” he said.
He said community leaders are held in high esteem in the state because of their roles in uniting the community.
“People are more informed now, due to connectivity and influence of social media which brings along with it new schools of thoughts. Therefore, KMKKs have to move forward too in tandem with time and developments,” he said.
He added as Sarawak moves aggressively to achieve developed state status by 2030, these KMKK are the focal points for the government to disseminate policies and implementation of government projects.
“In addition, KMKK often need to travel, attend meetings, engage with government agencies and have to forgo their day at the farm,” he said.
“Nonetheless the quantum and the salary revision has to be delved meticulously. We have to ensure the sum merits the responsibilities, and at the same time avoid too many who aspires to be KMKK which may cause split and division in the community,” he said.
From the government perspective, he said this involves long term fiscal and financial consideration taking into account currently there are 7,592 KMKK, 6,921 Village Security and Development Committee (JKKK) secretaries – all under the government payroll and the number grows every year.
“It is quite common now among the KMKK there are government retirees with experience. Some may hold certain educational qualifications such as diploma or degree.
“Are we going to implement fixed allowances or have a scale and grade system for them?
“These new generations of KMKK are gradually replacing the diminishing older generation to uphold their community values, customs, traditions and more importantly their ability to unite and keep intact the closely knitted community in their jurisdiction,” he said.
Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan also welcomed the move to revise the salaries and allowances of the community leaders, saying it aligns with current administrative demands and expectations.
“The proposed initiative is timely in line with the current demand to support the state administration.
“I believe it will also come with updated qualifications to ensure better capability among community leaders,” he said.
He suggested the new salaries should commensurate the current administration’s remuneration such as SPM, Form 6, Diploma and Degree, serving as benchmarks.
“The minimum wage of RM1,500 can be considered as a reference point for the adjustment,” he said.
Tamin assemblyman Christopher Gira Sambang has called for a minimum salary of RM2,000 for KMKK, citing the demanding nature of their responsibilities in community development.
“I noticed that in my area, KMKK and councillors often attend courses organised by government agencies to align with government objectives, which are usually held during working hours.
“This shows their roles are essentially full-time. They cannot commit to permanent jobs in towns or places far from their longhouses, as their responsibilities require them to be available 24/7,” he said.
Gira also highlighted the financial challenges faced by KMKK, particularly those with families.
“If they are paid the minimum allowance, as family men, how can they support their family?” He questioned.
He further proposed that district council members also receive a monthly allowance or salary of no less than RM2,000, considering their significant responsibilities and daily workload in managing council tasks.
