KATIBAS Assemblyman, Lidam Assan, has called on the State Government to reinstate the Elaun Bertugas di Kawasan Pendalaman (EBKP) which was discontinued in January 2024.
Highlighting the challenges faced in bringing development to the remote Song District, the assemblyman expressed appreciation for the cooperation shown by both federal and state agencies, as well as the local community and civil servants.
He noted that without such collaboration, development efforts in Song and other rural parts of the Kapit Division would be extremely difficult.
“Without any attractive offers to stay and work in remote divisions like Kapit, particularly Song, those from outside are not motivated to accept any job offer even though it is a secure and permanent job,” he said.
He said this when debating in support of the motion of appreciation to the Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar’s speech in the august House today.
“Some candidates who were successfully offered posts at Grades 9 and 5 outright rejected the positions upon learning they would be posted to Kapit Division, a clear indicator of reluctance among professionals to serve in remote areas,”he said.
He stressed that those currently serving in Kapit, especially in Song, make significant personal sacrifices by leaving behind their hometowns and families.
“These sacrifices and commitments should be given due recognition.
“One way is by giving extra allowances or perks and privileges that were once provided to those serving in remote districts,” he added, and appealed for the reinstatement of EBKP to encourage and retain civil servants in rural districts across Kapit Division.
