THE Sarawak government is in the final stages of a comprehensive study to revise the salaries and allowances of community leaders (KMKK) in the state.
According to Minister in the Premier’s Department (Native Laws and Customs), Datuk John Sikie Tayai, this review is in light of the growing responsibilities and challenges faced by KMKK, as well as the current economic conditions.
“The Sarawak government deeply values the role and contributions of KMKK, who represent various communities statewide.
“They are not only key agents in disseminating government information at the grassroots level but also play a vital role in fostering unity within their communities.
“The last salary adjustment for KMKK was in 2018, which included a salary increase and an additional RM100 monthly allowance.
“As of now, there are 7,592 KMKK across Sarawak.
“Their current monthly salaries and allowances are: RM1,600 with an annual increment of RM40 for 41 Temenggong; RM1,300 with a RM30 annual increment for 88 Pemanca; RM1,100 with a RM20 increment for 542 Penghulu; and RM900 for 6,921 Ketua Kaum,” he said during his ministerial winding-up speech on Monday (Nov 18).
He said the government allocates RM86.6 million annually for KMKK salaries, reflecting a 15 per cent increase (RM12.5 million) compared to 2020.
Sikie added that KMKK serving in Sarawak enjoy several benefits, including 15 days of annual leave, Hajj leave, medical coverage for themselves, their spouses, and children, contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organisation (Socso), and annual salary increments.
They are also entitled to recognition through awards such as the Pingat Perkhidmatan Setia and private firearm licence fee exemptions.
“For your information, Ketua Kaum also serves as chairperson of their respective village development and security committees (JKKK).
“Currently, Sarawak has 6,921 JKKK institutions, comprising 6,921 secretaries and 72,000 members.
“The government allocates RM51.3 million annually for JKKK management, covering secretarial allowances, meeting attendance, and meeting management expenses.
“This underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that JKKKs effectively drive community development in their areas,” he explained.
Elaborating, Sikie said to further enhance service delivery, the Sarawak government is addressing the need to create more KMKK positions and that so far, 915 applications for new KMKK posts have been received and were under review.
“These applications are assessed based on factors such as the size of the area, population, and number of households.
“They will be presented to the Special Committee for KMKK Affairs Management (Jawatankuasa Khas Pengurusan Hal Ehwal) for consideration.
“The government is also reviewing the KMKK Service Scheme to incorporate improvements, including post-service benefits, to better support them in fulfilling their duties,” he said.
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