KUCHING (Dec 8): The current rise in living costs calls for a timely revision of allowances or salaries of community leaders and village heads (KMKK) in Sarawak, said Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan.

“As Sarawak moves aggressively to achieve a developed state status by 2030, these KMKKs are the focal points for the government to disseminate policies and implementation of government projects,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He was commenting on the news reports about the Sarawak government being in the final stages of a comprehensive study to revise the salaries and allowances of KMKKs.

Snowdan pointed out that KMKKs need to travel, attend meetings, and engage with government agencies, which means they have to forgo activities such as working on their farm.

“Moreover, the responsibilities and burdens carried by these community leaders are more challenging now.

“They are held in high esteem throughout the state because of their roles in uniting the community,” said the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

He added that the people in Sarawak are increasingly more informed and critical in their thinking, due to internet access and the influence of social media, which brings new schools of thoughts.

As such, KMKKs must also move forward in tandem with time and developments, he said.

Snowdan also stated that the quantum as well as the amount of revision of allowances and salaries for KMKKs must be delved meticulously.

“We must make sure that the sum merits the responsibilities, and at the same time, avoids too many people from aspiring to be KMKKs, since this might cause split and division within the community.

“From the government’s perspective, this involves long-term fiscal and financial consideration, taking into account that we currently have 7,592 KMKKs, 6,921 village security and development committee (JKKK) secretaries, all under the government payroll – and the number grows every year,” he said.

He also pointed out that it is common for KMKKs to be appointed from among experienced government retirees, some of whom may hold a diploma or degree.

“Are we going to implement fixed allowances or have a scale and grade system for them?

“This newer generation of KMKK is gradually replacing the diminishing older generation to uphold their community values, customs, traditions, and more importantly, their ability to bring the closely-knitted community under their jurisdiction together,” he said.

It had been reported that the last salary adjustment for KMKKs was in 2018, which included a salary increase and an additional RM100 monthly allowance.

Their current monthly salaries and allowances are: RM1,600 with an annual increment of RM40 for 41 Temenggong; RM1,300 with a RM30 annual increment for 88 Pemanca; RM1,100 with a RM20 increment for 542 Penghulu; and RM900 for 6,921 Ketua Kaum (including Tuai Rumah and Kapitan).