Review KMKK allowances, tighten appointment criteria for more effective governance, says Ngemah rep
KUCHING (May 22): The Sarawak government must strengthen the institution of community leaders and village heads (KMKKs) by reviewing their allowances and tightening appointment criteria to reflect their expanding duties, said Ngemah assemblyman Anyi Jana.
Speaking during the Motion of Appreciation on the Yang di-Pertua Negeri's speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, he highlighted that KMKKs are no longer merely village administrators but have become frontline figures in local governance.
'The duties of KMKKs today are no longer limited to their own villages or longhouses. They are now burdened with complex administrative responsibilities that require commitment, time, and often personal sacrifice,' he said.
As such, he proposed increasing the monthly allowance for Ketua Kaum from RM900 to at least RM1,200, and Penghulu from RM1,200 to RM1,500.
'The current allowances are no longer realistic, especially in view of the economic situation and the scope of their work. A revision is long overdue,' he added.
Anyi also urged the state government to re-evaluate the workload placed on Penghulu, some of whom he said are managing over 60 villages or longhouses within their jurisdiction.
'No single person can effectively oversee such a wide area. We should consider limiting the number to 20 or 30 villages at most to ensure more effective governance,' he said.
He further highlighted issues with the appointment of Tuai Rumah, noting that in Ngemah alone, there are at least five individuals managing more than 20 'pintu' (household units) without official appointment certificates.
'One Tuai Rumah has served for over 10 years and fulfilled all the criteria, yet still has no certificate. This is not right—those who meet the requirements must be officially recognised.'
Furthermore, Anyi also called for greater flexibility in the inheritance of shotguns, which he described as ancestral heirlooms deeply rooted in Dayak tradition.
'Under current rules, shotguns can only be passed down from parent to child, provided the heir passes security and health screenings. But what happens if the head of the family has no children?' he questioned.
He proposed that the law be amended to allow inheritance by siblings, both male and female, if no direct descendants are available.
'This would prevent disputes over ownership of these heirlooms and reflect the realities faced by Dayak families,' he said, adding that the state government should also consider reinstating the carry and use permit to further legitimise and regulate shotgun use among rightful inheritors. anyi jana community leaders DUN KMKK village heads
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