DO can request additional JKKK quotas to address Tuai Rumah appointment issues in Sibu, says Kakus rep

SIBU (March 14): The District Officer can request additional quotas for appointments to the Sibu Village Security and Development Community (JKKK) from higher authorities, including the State Secretary, to help resolve issues such as Tuai Rumah appointments without certificates, said Kakus assemblyman Dato Sri John Sikie Tayai.

Highlighting the role of the District Officer, Sikie said such measures could help address administrative challenges while ensuring proper leadership within longhouse communities.

He said that while new Tuai Rumah appointments beginning January 1 require at least a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification, experienced government personnel remain eligible for consideration.

He also assured that existing Tuai Rumah appointments will not be terminated, noting that the selection of the community head ultimately rests with the longhouse residents themselves.

“That the highest positions within the JKKK should not be held by members of the same family in order to prevent potential mismanagement of funds,” he said during the meet the leaders programme at Rumah Ado Kanyan, SPS Nanga Tada near here.

Also present were Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak anak Kumbong.

On land matters, Sikie said survey letters are important to ensure that longhouse land is properly measured and that ownership remains with the community.

He also pledged to advocate for allowances for Tuai Rumah in recognition of their role in leading their communities.

Touching on leadership development, Sikie stressed the importance of training courses for Community Leaders and Village Heads (KMKK), particularly for newly appointed individuals.

He said funding for such programmes could be sourced from Minor Rural Project (MRP) allocations for the constituency.

On politics, Sikie urged that it should be practised positively without emotional bias, noting that representatives often face challenges when partiality arises.

He emphasised that the GPS government prioritises the welfare of the people, utilising state revenue generated through projects such as the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) and Minor Rural Project (MRP).

For development in remote areas, he said agencies such as the Malaysian Institute for Rural and Regional Development (MIRRDA) have been established to support community growth.