Speaking to Zodiak Online, one of the local leaders, Sub-Traditional Authority Chidothe of Thyolo, says the government needs to revise upwards the honoraria and also change the mode of disbursing it to mobile money; arguing banks are in far places, thereby using up the same meagre allowances for transport.

The two senior chiefs have on Tuesday justified that with the high cost of living, a minimum of between K5, 000 to K100, 000, is too little to support their welfare.

"We have been raising this concern for quite some time now. Just imagine what K5, 000 can buy now with the rising cost of living. For instance, for a chief to travel from Chiwalo area here, it is already K7, 000 one way. I think what chiefs are appealing for is genuine and need to be considered including changing the mode of disbursing the honoraria to mobile money, Paramount chief Kaduya said.

Senior Chief Lukwa added: "This issue is long overdue. If the money is available, government should really consider revising upwards the chief's honoraria. This is one factor that has been affecting the chief's welfare. We have been crying for a long time."

However, Paramount chief Kyungu, feels the call is ill-timed considering the unfavourable global economic trends which have also affected the country; arguing, "Parliamentarians hold the key of lobbying the government to improve the welfare of Malawians including the chiefs", he said.

Ministry of Local Government spokesperson, Anjoya Mwanza, says she needed to consult on honoraria revision, but indicated that government has already advised the district councils to start using E-payments when paying the chiefs.

"We have already advised the District Councils to use E-payments when paying the Chiefs. The Ministry advised the DCs to use Mpamba, Airtel Money, UNAYO or any other e-payment means", Mwanza said.

The country has about 44, 000 chiefs.