MIRI: Sarawak Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil has defended recent reforms involving the appointment and welfare of Ketua Masyarakat dan Ketua Kaum (KMKK), saying the role today demands stronger leadership, maturity and administrative capability compared to previous decades.
Speaking during the Pre-Gawai Dayak Dinner 2026 with community leaders from the Miri Division on Friday night, Penguang said the Sarawak Cabinet had recently approved several measures involving KMKK, including an increase in allowances and stricter appointment criteria.
“The duties and responsibilities of KMKK today are not the same as they were 20 or 30 years ago,” he said.
“We have now set a minimum age requirement of 35 for new appointments because the role requires maturity, leadership and the ability to manage community issues effectively.”
He added that while first-time appointees should not exceed the age of 70, extensions could still be considered at the discretion of elected representatives in certain areas.
Penguang, said he understood the “nuts and bolts” of the KMKK institution, having been directly involved in appointments and administrative matters since 2013.
The Marudi assemblyman also revealed that the state government was moving towards introducing minimum competency standards for KMKK leaders, including digital literacy and social media awareness, in line with changing governance demands at grassroots level.
“Being a tuai rumah or community leader today is no longer simple. Society has changed and people are watching closely. Leaders must know how to engage with the community and understand current realities,” he said.
Penguang stressed that the KMKK must remain united and avoid internal divisions, particularly within the Dayak community.
“If we cannot respect ourselves, who else will respect us?” he remarked, urging Dayak associations and community leaders to work together under a common platform.
In his speech, Penguang also touched on ongoing discussions regarding customary appointment systems among Orang Ulu communities, saying any reform involving the election or appointment of tuai rumah must first be agreed upon by the respective community elders and Majlis Adat Istiadat Sarawak.
“I will not interfere unless there is consensus from the community itself,” he said.
On representation, Penguang disclosed that the Miri Division currently has six temenggong, 12 pemanca and 64 penghulu, excluding newly approved appointments yet to be implemented.
He also announced that the Kelabit community would soon have its own temenggong, following long-standing requests from community leaders.
The deputy minister used the occasion to rally support for the ongoing Gawai Dayak Bazaar and Ethnic Cultural Festival in Miri, describing it as one of the most successful editions ever held outside Kuching.
Penguang, who chairs the state-level Gawai Dayak 2026 organising committee, said the festival had already attracted more than 64,000 visitors during its first week and generated economic transactions exceeding RM1.7 billion.
“This is the only official Gawai celebration of its kind outside Kuching and the response has been extraordinary,” he said.
He credited the success to the strong backing from community leaders across ethnic groups in Miri, including Chinese, Malay and Dayak organisations.
Penguang also invited the public to attend the upcoming state-level Gawai Dayak celebration in Kuching next month, promising a different concept themed ‘From Ruai-Ruai to the World’, showcasing the evolution of Dayak culture from the longhouse to the global stage.
“We want to present something Sarawak has never seen before,” he added.
The deputy minister concluded by promoting the Sarawak Regatta scheduled from July 23 to 25, saying Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg was expected to officiate the event.
