IPOH, July 2 -- Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad announced that a total of 658 village chiefs have been appointed across the state in the first phase, which began on June 1.

Saarani said that the remaining 170 vacant village chief positions will be filled in the upcoming second phase.

"The delay in the appointment was due to several factors including age limitations and internal changes within political parties.

"We only appoint those aged 65 and below. Anyone above that age needs to be replaced," he said.

He told this to reporters when asked to comment on the village chief appointment's status after officiating the Symposium Ceremony of the Perak Orang Asli Community at the Perak Darul Ridzuan Building's banquet hall. ...