Kuala lumpur: The Sabah State Legislative Assembly today passed the Community Development Leaders (Amendment) Bill 2026, which, among other provisions, raises the basic monthly salary of community development leaders from RM1,500 to RM2,000.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun explained that the salary adjustment was reasonable and timely, as the original rate under the enactment had not been revised for the past 45 years. He noted that during this period, the responsibilities of community development leaders (PPMs) have grown significantly, highlighting their essential role in the government's service delivery system at the grassroots level.
'The state government needs CDLs to ensure that government policies and programmes are effectively delivered to all Sabahans in a fair manner, including those in constituencies represented by the opposition bloc,' he stated. The bill to amend the Community Development Leaders Enactment 1981 was passed by a majority vote before Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya, following a debate involving six assemblymen.
Ceasar Mandela, who tabled the bill, mentioned that the amendment is expected to come into effect within a month at the latest, with the new salary adjustment to be implemented immediately upon enforcement. Responding to proposals by several assemblymen during the debate to review other allowances, including electricity and travel allowances, he said any consideration of additional benefits in the future would take into account the state government's fiscal capacity, financial position, and current needs.
Meanwhile, the assembly also passed the Animals (Amendment) Bill 2026, tabled by Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, after a debate involving six assemblymen. The amendment to the Animal Enactment 2015 clarifies provisions on licensing for livestock farms and slaughterhouses to ensure more orderly and effective implementation, while making it mandatory for operators to obtain licences to run such facilities in the state.
Jamawi, when winding up the debate on the bill, emphasized that the measure is important to ensure that the enactment remains relevant as a clear legal framework aligned with current industry needs. 'The enforcement of this amendment will strengthen the regulatory framework for livestock activities,' he stated. The sitting was then adjourned to a date to be announced later.