PADAWAN: The role of a Ketua Kaum (community chief) today goes far beyond being a traditional figurehead—they must now also be capable strategic planners in community development.

Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak (Aviation and Roads), Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, emphasised that community leaders must become competent, professional, and tech-savvy in order to raise the profile of their villages in line with Sarawak’s rapid development.

“We can no longer rely on old ways of doing things. Today's community chiefs must act as modern administrators—capable of planning development strategies, navigating digital governance systems, and serving as an effective bridge between the people and government agencies,” he said.

He made these remarks at the Appointment Certificate Presentation Ceremony for Community Chiefs and Launch of the Upgraded Multi-Purpose Hall in Kampung Braang Timurang, held on Saturday.

To support this evolving role, Dr Jerip said a Community Leadership Guidebook has been published to strengthen the administrative knowledge and capabilities of community chiefs and Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) in facing contemporary governance challenges.

Touching on the local potential of Kampung Braang Timurang, the Mambong Assemblyman highlighted that the village could be incorporated into the Padawan Tourism Master Plan, with a proposed riverside glamping site as a new eco-tourism attraction.

On that note, Dr Jerip also approved an allocation of RM30,000 under the Minor Rural Project (MRP) to support the operations of the JKKK and to facilitate community-based activities.

Also present at the event was Padawan Sub-District Administrative Officer, Julius Scott Sapong. -UKASnews