142 community leader positions in Sibu unfilled

(From left) Khalid and Chieng in a photo with Paing (second right) and Lau after the ceremony on Dec 22, 2023. Photo credit: Joseph Chieng Jin Ek Facebook

By William Isau

SIBU, Dec 22: A total of 142 community leaders positions remain vacant in Sibu district.

According to Sibu District Officer Khalid Andong, the district is entitled to 413 community leaders, but as of now, 142 positions have not been filled up.

“I hope that we can promptly appoint community leaders to better manage and resolve the people’s issues,” he said during the ceremony to present Letter of Appointment to Paing Tawi as the Iban Pemanca of Dudong today.

Meanwhile, Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng, addressing reporters later at the event, revealed that an application to increase the number of community leaders for the Kampung Sentosa area has been submitted to the Sibu District Office and the State Secretary’s Office.

He pointed out that Kampung Sentosa area currently has only one Malay community leader and one Chinese Kapitan, which is insufficient considering the size of the area.

“The area is actually huge and is divided into two phases: phase one and phase two. Currently, we only have one Iban village chief. Therefore, I propose the addition of two Iban Penghulus to enhance services, and we also need two Malay Penghulus for the area,” he said.

At the ceremony, Khalid handed over the appointment letter to Paing, witnessed by Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Dudong assemblyman Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman Robert Lau and Temenggong Stanley Gramong Bandar were also present. — DayakDaily