SHAH ALAM, Mar 8 – The state government will study proposals to increase the allowances of village development and safety committees (JKKK) chairmen in this state.

The Dato’ Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he and the State Executive Council (Exco) members will discuss this issue in the next weekly meeting, which is expected to be held after the State Legislative Assembly Meeting next week.

He said, the allowance received by JKKK Chairmen is RM450 per month, as it has been for the past few years.

“We will hold a meeting with Exco members (on this issue and think about how we can fully use the JKK and ensure state government programmes are enjoyed by all the people,” he said to reporters after a special meeting between him and Selangor JKKK members in conjunction with the first year anniversary of Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) administration here this afternoon.

Abdul Khalid said the state government would also announce the appointment of Indian village chiefs for villages are mainly Indians.

He said announcements relating to the appointment of 40 village chiefs would be made within a month.

Meanwhile, Abdul Khalid said the state government had collected about RM50 million from sand administration by  Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd (KSSB), conducted for the past six months.

He said, this would be used for its Merakyatkan Ekonomi Selangor (Mes) agendas, such as the Selangor Children Heritage Fund (Tawas) and the Golden Years-Friendly Scheme.

He added, the state government would also introduce some additional programmes to give more benefits to senior citizens such as medical insurance, discounts when purchasing educational books and food coupons.

He said the senior citizens of Selangor could enjoy such facilities if they registered with the state government.

In addition, the second phase of the Mes agenda, involving additional leave for female government personnel who had just delivered their babies, had been in effect since January 1st.

Female staff who have just delivered babies are given an additional 30 days leave meaning they get a total of 90 days leave.

Meanwhile, their husbands are also given an additioanl seven days leave while women who have just lost their husbands are allowed up to 30 days leave.

“This is for compassionate reasons as we understand that new-born children need special care at specific times.

“We hope those who have been given this leave will be able to spend the time given as best as possible,” he said.

Earlier, Abdul Khalid in his speech said he hoped the JKKK chairmen and members would be able to understand the concept of welfare as implemented by the PR government.

They should also play the role of ensuring resident participation in community activities as well as uphold state government policies . – NOOR ALLIA KASSIM