Latest news with #SaaraniMohamad


The Sun
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Perak completes first phase of traditional village chief appointments
IPOH: The Perak government has finalised the appointment of 658 out of 828 traditional village chiefs in the first phase, with the remaining 170 set to receive their letters soon. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad stated that the second phase will proceed after reviewing grassroots feedback and addressing on-ground changes. Saarani highlighted past concerns, including village chiefs not residing in their assigned communities, as well as age and health factors. 'These criteria ensure effective leadership. Village chiefs can serve only until age 65 and will not be reappointed beyond that. 'Health is also a priority—if a chief faces serious medical issues, replacements will be made in phase two,' he said during a press conference after launching the Perak Orang Asli Community Symposium 2025. The selection process involved consultations under the Unity Government Committee, incorporating new candidates, reappointments, and increased representation for women and youth. Separately, Saarani reaffirmed the state's commitment to Orang Asli welfare, citing initiatives like the Kelah Sanctuary Project in Royal Belum, which boosts tourism and local economies. Other efforts include solar system installations in Kampung Sungai Kejar and plans for an Orang Asli Cultural Village in Pos Raya.


Malay Mail
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Perak appoints 658 village chiefs, more to come as age limits and political shifts delay final appointments
IPOH, July 2 — Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced that a total of 658 village chiefs have been appointed across the state in the first phase, which began on June 1. Saarani said that the remaining 170 vacant village chief positions will be filled in the upcoming second phase. 'The delay in the appointment was due to several factors including age limitations and internal changes within political parties. 'We only appoint those aged 65 and below. Anyone above that age needs to be replaced,' he said. He told this to reporters when asked to comment on the village chief appointment's status after officiating the Symposium Ceremony of the Perak Orang Asli Community at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building's banquet hall. Saarani explained that party leadership changes, particularly at the grassroots level, have also influenced the appointment process. 'For example, in PKR, after branch-level elections, there were changes in the office bearers at the grassroots level, so they made some adjustments,' he added. On political representation, Saarani clarified that there is no fixed quota system. He said all appointments come through recommendations by component parties of the Unity Government, which includes representatives from Umno, Amanah, PKR and DAP. 'This isn't about giving out positions. A village head must live in the village they lead, because they are our last line of government representation at the grassroots level,' he said. He also said that one of the criteria for the appointment is that the village heads must be permanent residents of the villages they serve, stressing the importance of community connection and direct service. Saarani also confirmed that individuals in their 30s, as well as female representation, are present in the new lineup.


New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Perak appoints over 650 village chiefs, including youth and women
IPOH: More than 650 village chiefs in Perak have been appointed or reappointed as part of the state government's effort to strengthen local leadership. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said today that out of the 828 village chiefs, 658 received their appointment letters in the first phase. He said the second phase would see an additional 170 chiefs appointed soon, following a policy that limits the tenure of village chiefs to individuals under 65. "Village chiefs who have reached the age of 65 must be replaced to ensure dynamic and effective leadership in our villages." He said this after attending the Perak Orang Asli Community Symposium here. He added that changes have occurred due to recent party elections and requests from ruling coalition parties, resulting in leadership shifts at the local level. "All previous appointments expired on May 30, with new appointments becoming effective on June 1. "Many new faces have been introduced, though exact figures are yet to be finalised." On the criteria for appointments, he said village chiefs must live in their villages and serve the community diligently. "We cannot appoint a village chief who lives elsewhere. They must live among the people they serve, as they are government officers accountable to the community." To encourage youth participation, Saarani highlighted the appointment of young chiefs in Lenggong, where leaders as young as 31, 32, and 33 have been chosen. "This creates a healthy balance between experienced leaders and young talent, providing a longer-term outlook for village leadership. "Female village chiefs have also been appointed in several villages, marking progress in gender representation." Regarding political affiliations, Saarani said appointments are made based on recommendations from ruling coalition parties, including Umno, Barisan Nasional, PKR, Amanah and DAP. "Political background is secondary to residency and the ability to serve the community well, which aligns with our unity government's goals."

The Star
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Perak appoints 658 new village chiefs
IPOH: A total of 658 village chiefs across Perak have received their letters of appointment, says Perak Mentri Besar. Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that another 170 village chiefs will be appointed in the second round, bringing the total to 827 across the state. "Those appointed must not exceed 65 years old. If they are, we have to replace them," he told reporters after officiating the Simposium Komuniti Orang Asli Perak 2025. Saarani explained that appointments in phases are made based on age limit and requests from political parties. 'There were also changes following requests from ruling political parties. For instance, following internal branch-level elections in PKR, there were changes in positions," he said. When asked whether there were many new faces among the appointees, Saarani said yes. 'Yes, quite a number, although I don't have the exact figures. Many were replaced due to age. "When appointing new individuals, we must be cautious. They must live in the village they serve, we can't appoint someone who resides elsewhere to lead another village," he said. On whether youth representation was included, Saarani said there were younger individuals appointed. 'For example, in Lenggong, we appointed village chiefs aged 31, 32, and 33. We want a balance between experience and fresh perspectives. Younger appointees also have more time to grow in the role,' he said. When asked about female representation, Saarani added that women were also appointed.


Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
No digging, rare earth mining will be environmentally friendly, says Perak MB
Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said all rare earth mining activities will comply with SOPs. (Bernama pic) LENGGONG : The Perak government has given an assurance that all mining activities involving non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) will not harm the environment. Menteri besar Saarani Mohamad said although rare earth mining presents a new opportunity for generating state revenue, the government will not compromise on protecting the people's interests. He said the state government guarantees that NR-REE activities will utilise modern mining technologies to improve efficiency and safety while safeguarding the environment. 'When we initiated the NR-REE mining pilot project in Kenering, Hulu Perak, one of the key requirements was strict compliance with environmental impact assessment procedures, particularly those concerning environmental protection,' he said at a press conference after presenting the progress report of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan here today. 'The latest extraction method for this mineral no longer involves digging, but uses the in-situ leaching (ISL) method, which involves injecting ammonium sulfate solution into the ground to dissolve the rare earth elements, which are then pumped back to the surface for processing.' Saarani said the state government would not allow NR-REE mining activities if it does not comply with standard operating procedures and the requirements set by the relevant technical agencies. 'NR-REE mining using the ISL method is the latest sustainable approach with controlled environmental impact, low operational costs, and good worker safety standards,' he said. 'Therefore, we do not have to worry about landslides, there will be no clearing of trees, and the forest reserve itself will be protected. If it causes environmental damage, we will not allow it.' It was previously reported that the state government had identified new potential NR-REE mineral sites in three additional districts apart from Hulu Perak, with estimated reserves of 1.7 million metric tonnes. Saarani said based on preliminary studies by the Perak minerals and geoscience department, the districts include Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Larut Matang and Selama, with 70% to 80% of the potential NR-REE reserves located within forest reserve areas.