BETING Maro assemblyman, Datuk Razaili Gapor, has call for the approval of additional community and tribal chiefs or ‘ketua masyarakat dan ketua kaum’ (KMKK) positions in his constituency, citing increasing administrative demands across its growing rural population.
He said that since 2012, proposals for eight additional penghulu posts and 11 village chief positions for 11 Malay villages in Beting Maro constituency have been repeatedly raised, but have yet to receive government approval.
“At present, there are only three penghulu and 12 village chiefs serving more than 20,000 residents across 11 villages. This is clearly insufficient to ensure smooth administration and effective service delivery at the grassroots level,” he said.
Razaili made the call during his debate on the motion of appreciation for the address by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
He stressed that the roles of penghulu and village chiefs are crucial in facilitating local governance, community coordination, and the implementation of government initiatives at the village and longhouse levels.
“As such, I once again appeal for the immediate consideration and approval of these additional KMKK positions for the benefit of the people in Beting Maro,” he added.
In his speech, Razaili also touched on a range of development issues affecting his constituency, particularly in rural areas, in line with the aspirations outlined in the Head of State’s address.
He highlighted persistent gaps in basic infrastructure, including unstable internet connectivity, delays in clean water supply projects, and inadequate water pressure in areas such as Pusa and Beladin.
He also raised concerns over the delayed completion of the Kampung Batang Maro water supply project, which began in 2021 under federal funding but remains unfinished.
“The people are still waiting for clean water, which is a basic necessity. Delays like this give the impression that rural issues are not being prioritised,” he said, calling for accountability and a clear timeline for completion.
On economic matters, Razaili proposed that the government review the Land Custody and Development Authority (LCDA)/Tabung Haji oil palm plantation projects, noting dissatisfaction among landowners over low returns despite more than two decades of implementation.
He suggested that the state government consider taking over the projects and returning the land to either the government or the original landowners for self-development.
He further called for the immediate operationalisation of the LKIM Beladin Fish Landing Complex and the Beladin slipway, both of which have remained underutilised despite significant investment.
“These facilities are vital to the fishing community, which has long been a key contributor to Sarawak’s fish supply. Delays in operation have denied fishermen opportunities to improve their livelihoods and develop downstream industries,” he said.
Razaili also urged the government to expedite long-delayed housing and village expansion schemes (SPK) in six areas, as well as road projects such as the Batang Maro-Paloh-Perpat link, which was approved under the 11th Malaysia Plan but has yet to commence.
He proposed the development of a large-scale AgroPark in Beladin and surrounding areas, aimed at promoting modern, technology-driven agriculture and attracting investment through anchor companies.
Concluding his speech, he reiterated the importance of strengthening rural resilience through improved infrastructure, economic diversification, and effective governance, in line with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030.
