By Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, Feb 29 — The Selangor government is considering a review of the monthly allowances for local council members, factoring in the increasing challenges of carrying out their responsibilities and the rising cost of living.
State executive councillor for local government Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said the last time an increase occurred was in 2017.
Currently, councillors serving in local councils with a city or municipal status are paid RM2,500 a month, while those in district councils receive RM2,000.
“The challenges and burden faced by council members in delivering their services to the community will be one of the factors we must consider, before beginning the process of reviewing the allowance rate.
“These challenges include the carrying out of their duties and being constantly on the ground to manage issues raised by the local community.
“Additionally, they also face the burden of rising cost of living. Increasing their pay will help reduce their burden in the future,” he said in the State Legislative Assembly session today.
Ng added that Penang had recently increased the allowances of their councillors from RM2,500 to RM4,000, effective October 1 last year, considering the aforementioned challenges.
“As such, the Selangor government will review the suitability to implement a similar proposal from time to time.
“However, this will be based on needs and feasibility, and dependant on the state’s financial position,” he said.
Ng was responding to Subang Jaya state assemblyman Michelle Ng Mei Sze on the need to review the allowances of local councillors in Selangor and the state government’s plan to improve their welfare.
