BINTULU: Community Chiefs and Village Chiefs (KMKK) continue to play a vital role in driving Sarawak’s development agenda by serving as the key bridge between the government and the rakyat at grassroots level.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said community leaders not only help maintain harmony and unity within society, but also ensure government policies and aspirations are effectively conveyed to the people.
He said the institution of KMKK remains important as Sarawak continues progressing towards becoming a developed and high-income region under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Community leaders have their own roles. That is why we continue strengthening their roles, and their allowances have also been increased.
“Community leaders now receive RM1,300, while penghulu, pemanca and temenggong have also received allowance increases,” he said during the ‘Makan Malam Bersama Pemimpin Masyarakat’ event at Hotel Imperial Bintulu on Friday night (May 22).
Abang Johari said the state government’s stronger financial position had enabled various initiatives and assistance programmes to continue being implemented for the rakyat, including strengthening the roles of KMKK.
He added that Sarawak’s revenue had increased significantly from around RM6 billion previously to approximately RM14 billion, allowing the state government to continue funding infrastructure and development projects throughout Sarawak.
“Tonight I want to thank community leaders who have worked together in developing Sarawak. When our economy becomes stronger, we also strengthen the institution of community leaders,” he said.
At the same time, the Premier urged KMKK to continue encouraging younger generations to pursue new knowledge, particularly in fields related to artificial intelligence (AI), STEM and future technologies.
He said Sarawak’s future development would depend heavily on skilled local talent capable of adapting to rapidly changing global industries and technologies.
“We love Sarawak and we want Sarawak’s children to become an intelligent and competitive generation. If we want to go further, including into the field of space exploration, we must master STEM,” he added.
