TAWAU: Some 3,963 community leaders (ketua adat) in Sabah will get an average of 48 per cent hike in monthly allowance beginning September this year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor announced this during a meet-and-greet session with Gagasan Rakyat leaders here.
He said the monthly allowance for district chiefs will be raised to RM3,500 from RM2,700 (29.6 per cent increase), native chiefs (ketua anak negeri) to RM2,500 from RM1,700 (47.1 per cent increase), native chief representatives (wakil ketua anak negeri) to RM1,300 from RM900 (44.4 per cent increase), village heads and kapitans to RM1,200 from RM700 (71.4 per cent increase).
The move, he said, would benefit 57 district chiefs, 272 native chiefs, 648 native chief representatives, 2,810 village heads and 176 kapitans throughout the state.
Hajiji also said among the justifications for this increment is recognition of the esteemed position of the ‘ketua adat’ in the community, including their role as Native Court judges and to cover their expenses while attending meetings, courses and official functions outside the district.
“The state government recognises the important role of the ‘ketua adat’ as grassroots leaders and the raise is intended to motivate them to serve the community with integrity.
“Furthermore, the increment has been long overdue with the last upward revision done in 2013 and their allowance had remained unchanged since then while the cost of living has risen,” he stated.
The Chieg Minister said this is a testament to the government’s commitment to meet the needs of everyone in providing quality service in line with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya aspirations.
