Perak Completes First Phase Of Traditional Village Chief Appointments

IPOH, July 2 (Bernama) -- The Perak government has completed the appointment of 658 out of 828 traditional village chiefs under the first phase, with the remaining to receive their appointment letters soon.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the second phase, involving 170 villages, would be carried out following grassroots feedback and certain changes on the ground.

He said previous issues included village chiefs not residing in the communities they were tasked to manage, as well as factors such as age and health.

“These criteria have been set to ensure that village chiefs can function effectively. Each chief may serve only until the age of 65 and will not be reappointed beyond that age.

“We want our village chiefs to be in good health. If they have serious health issues, we will have to replace them with other individuals in the second phase,” he told a press conference after officiating the Perak Orang Asli Community Symposium 2025 here today.

Saarani said the list of village chiefs was finalised through consultations under the Unity Government Committee, comprising various parties in the state administration.

“The appointment process involved new candidates, reappointments of incumbents and a greater inclusion of women and youth,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saarani said the state government has never sidelined the welfare and needs of the Orang Asli community and continues to implement various 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 a community-based biodiversity conservation initiative that also generates economic benefits. The area now attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually.

“In Kampung Sungai Kejar, Royal Belum, the Malaysian Relief Agency has provided a solar system to improve residents’ comfort, while SEAD Industries will develop an Orang Asli Cultural Village in Pos Raya, Simpang Pulai,” he said.

-- BERNAMA