21-05-2025
Opar rep calls for increased monthly allowance for community leaders, village chiefs to RM1,700
Billy says this has been discussed in several recent House sittings, but no decision has been made by the government so far. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (May 21): Billy Sujang (GPS-Opar) has proposed that the allowances for community leaders and village chiefs (KMKKs) be increased to at least RM1,700 per month, equivalent to the minimum wage in the public sector.
He said the proposal is timely and necessary to recognise the vital role played by KMKKs in coordinating government programmes, maintaining village harmony, and helping vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families.
'With a more reasonable allowance, they would be more enthusiastic to carry out their duties, while producing more quality and dedicated grassroots leaders,' he said in his Motion of Appreciation to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today.
According to Billy, the issue of allowances for KMKKs has been discussed in several recent House sittings, but no decision has been made by the government so far.
'KMKKs are an important link between the government and the current monthly allowance rates are RM1,300 for Pemanca, RM1,100 for Penghulu, and RM900 for Ketua Kaum.
'These amounts are no longer seen as commensurating with their responsibilities, workload, and time commitment,' he said.
On another matter, Billy drew the attention of the august House to the condition of Lundu Hospital, one of the oldest hospitals in Sarawak.
He noted that the building is now more than 60 years old, with the majority of its facilities outdated and no longer suitable for a functioning healthcare facility.
'This is unacceptable for a community that deserves better healthcare services.
'Given the new hospital site is already prepared, my fellow colleague from Tanjong Datu Azizul Adenan and I had brought up this issue in the august House last year, urging the federal government to approve and allocate funds for the construction of a new Lundu District Hospital.
'Modernising our healthcare facilities is not just an improvement; it is a necessity for providing quality healthcare to our residents,' he said. Billy Sujang community leaders DUN monthly allowance Opar village chiefs
