LIMBANG: A total of 43 new grassroots leadership positions have been proposed for Limbang Division to meet growing population demands and the expansion of new settlements.
Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development and Bukit Kota assemblyman, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said all existing community leader and village heads (KMKK) posts comprising five Temenggong, seven Pemanca, 34 Penghulu and 328 Ketua Kaum have been fully filled.
However, there is now a need to enhance representation at the community level, with proposals for an additional one Temenggong, four Pemanca, 13 Penghulu and 25 Ketua Kaum.
“At present, all positions have been filled. However, due to population growth and new settlements, there is a need to create additional positions,” he said when speaking at the ‘Majlis Makan Malam Bersama Komuniti Limbang’ event on Friday (Apr 10) evening.
Dr Abdul Rahman said the proposal has been submitted by the Resident’s Office to the State Secretary’s Office for consideration and approval by the state government.
He also stressed that community and tribal leaders play a vital role in governance, serving as the “eyes and ears” of the government.
“Their responsibilities include administering JKKK, handling matters in customary courts, resolving disputes involving customary laws, assisting local authorities, safeguarding the welfare of residents and strengthening ties between the government and the people,” he said.
In recognition of their contributions, Dr Abdul Rahman said the state government has agreed to increase the allowances of community and tribal leaders by RM400, effective January this year.
He also expressed hope that community leaders in Limbang would continue to remain committed in supporting the state government’s development agenda.
“I hope KMKK Limbang will continue to remain committed and work hard to support the Premier in realising the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) and in making Sarawak a developed and high-income region,” he said.
At the same time, Dr Abdul Rahman said initiatives such as the ‘Sarawakku Sayang’ (SKS) programme plays an important role in strengthening engagement between the government and the people.
He urged residents of Limbang and Lawas to turn up in large numbers and take full advantage of the programme.
“The programme brings the state administration into a single venue, where all services offered can be accessed, applied for and processed simultaneously by the local community. It also provides an opportunity for the public and the administrative machinery to interact and strengthen the relationship between the government and the people,” he said.
