Perak: The Perak government has completed the appointment of 658 out of 828 traditional village chiefs under the first phase, with the remaining scheduled to receive their appointment letters soon. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced that the second phase, involving 170 villages, will proceed after obtaining grassroots feedback and implementing certain changes based on local conditions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saarani highlighted issues in the past where village chiefs did not reside in the communities they managed or faced challenges due to age and health. To address this, the government set criteria ensuring effective performance, stipulating that chiefs may serve only until the age of 65, with no reappointments beyond that age. Saarani emphasized the importance of good health for chiefs and indicated replacements would occur if health issues arise during the second phase.

The list of village chiefs was finalized through consultations under the Unity Government Committee, which includes various parties in the state administration. The appointment process considered new candidates, reappointments of incumbents, and a focus on greater inclusion of women and youth.

Saarani also reassured that the state government has not neglected the welfare of the Orang Asli community, continuing to implement initiatives to improve their socio-economic status. He cited the Kelah Sanctuary Project at Kampung Sungai Tiang, Royal Belum, by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, as a successful example of community-based biodiversity conservation that also provides economic benefits, attracting over 30,000 visitors annually.

Additionally, in Kampung Sungai Kejar, Royal Belum, the Malaysian Relief Agency has installed a solar system to enhance residents’ comfort, while SEAD Industries plans to develop an Orang Asli Cultural Village in Pos Raya, Simpang Pulai.