The Penang government has issued appointment letters to Village Community Management Council (MPKK) members from the Northeast and Southwest districts for a new four-year term, as opposed to the previous two-year terms, or until the State Assembly is dissolved.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow presented the letters to 151 MPKK representatives from Penang Island at Dewan Sri Pinang today. Of these, 92 are from the Northeast District, and 59 are from the Southwest District.
Appointment letters will also be given to 224 MPKK representatives from Seberang Perai, with 84 each from Central Seberang Perai and North Seberang Perai, and 56 from South Seberang Perai.
In total, there are 375 MPKKs across both Penang Island and the mainland.
Chow emphasised that the MPKK plays a vital role, not only as a liaison between the public and the state government in disseminating information and resolving issues but also as a crucial driver in fostering unity and encouraging civic participation, as outlined in Theme C of the Penang2030 Vision.
He noted that the various programmes organised by the MPKK have contributed to strengthening community bonds, particularly during Ramadan, festive seasons, and other celebrations.
Additionally, during times of crisis or adversity, such as water supply disruptions, floods, fires, and other emergencies, the MPKK has consistently been at the forefront, offering aid and support to those in need.
Chow expressed his gratitude to past and present MPKK members for their swift action and timely dissemination of information during disasters, which has resulted in well-organised and efficient disaster management.
“Your appointment today reflects your commitment to serving as facilitators and bridges between the state government and the local community.
“Two-way communication is essential in planning and implementing development projects with community involvement, aligning with the state’s bottom-up approach to creating a progressive and competitive community. This is in line with the Penang2030 Vision to develop a Family-Focused, Smart, and Green State that Inspires the Nation,” Chow said.
Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad bin Abdul Hamid, stressed that each MPKK member must understand the objectives behind the MPKK’s formation and ensure that the roles and responsibilities entrusted to them are carried out in accordance with state government policies.
He also highlighted that the state government has allocated nearly RM13 million to MPKKs for 2024. The chairman receives a fixed allowance of RM700, the secretary RM600, and the treasurer RM300 per month. The meeting management allowance is set at RM100 for each of the 12 annual meetings. Each MPKK has 12 additional committee members, making up a total of 15 members.
Also in attendance at the appointment ceremony were State Secretary Datuk Zulkifli Long, state executive councillors Wong Hon Wai, Lim Siew Khim and Fahmi Zainol, several assemblymen, Northeast District officer Datuk Rosli Halim, Southwest District officer Hafiz Aswad Nadzri, and heads of various departments.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting
