LUNDU: Tanjong Datu Assemblyman, Azizul Annuar Adenan, has called for a review of allowances for community leaders, saying the issue should be given attention in the Sarawak Budget 2026, to be tabled in November.
He said representatives from Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) would act collectively to support the proposal, stressing that allowances for Pemanca, Temenggong, Penghulu and village chiefs had remained unchanged for years.
He asserted that the financial burden of community leaders was often overlooked.
“Nowadays, they sometimes have to dig deep into their own pockets. That is why, together with the other assemblymen, we will push for this to be considered in the coming Budget.
“It is time this matter is reviewed. Prices of goods have all gone up, and those who lead their communities deserve to see their allowances adjusted as well,” he said.
He was speaking when officiating the ‘Leadership and Social Well-being Seminar for Community and Village Chiefs (KMKK)’ at the SALCRA Bajo Training Centre here today.
Azizul added that community leaders must also continue to strengthen their knowledge and leadership skills to meet the demands of today.
He noted that many village chiefs and community leaders were selected from among retired civil servants, such as teachers and police officers, adding that their experience should be used to improve grassroots leadership.
“Community leaders and village chiefs must think ahead when driving local development. They are entrusted with the welfare of their communities and serve as the closest link between the government and the people,” he said.
He pointed out that Lundu would no longer be seen as a rural district in the future, as improved connectivity through the Pan Borneo Highway had already reduced travel distance to urban centres.
“We want to see village expansion schemes because the population is growing. We need to think about how to further develop our villages, what advantages we can build on for the local economy.
“These are the things we should look at for our respective areas,” he added.
