Caption: Julita (fourth left), Rina (third left), Chong (fourth right) and Jais (second left) with other distinguished guests and participants of the programme
KOTA KINABALU: Strengthening the professionalism of social workers and developing a more structured volunteer network are essential to improving welfare services and ensuring assistance reaches communities in need, said Datuk Julita Majungki.
The Sabah Minister of Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing said social workers and volunteers played complementary roles in addressing social challenges, particularly among vulnerable individuals, families and communities.
She said social work required specialised knowledge, proper training, professional skills and ethical standards to ensure effective and appropriate assistance.
“The delivery of social services requires more than compassion and good intentions. It also requires professional knowledge, proper skills and a coordinated support system to ensure assistance is meaningful and sustainable,” she said.
Julita, who is also Sabah Social Services Council (MPMS) president, said this when launching Welfare Month 2026 and the Social Services Networking Forum 2026 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here today.
On volunteerism, Julita said a more structured approach was needed to ensure volunteers received proper guidance and could contribute effectively according to community needs.
She cited platforms such as the MyCHAMPION programme under the Ministry of Health and the Social Welfare Department’s volunteer programme as opportunities for individuals and NGOs to participate in organised community initiatives.
“Volunteerism must go beyond occasional participation. We need a sustainable network where volunteers are guided, their contributions are coordinated and their skills are utilised effectively,” she said.
Julita added that Welfare Month, observed throughout November, aimed to encourage greater public participation in welfare and voluntary activities.
She expressed hope that the programmes held would strengthen professional capacity and build lasting partnerships towards a more effective and inclusive social service system in Sabah.
Also present were Sabah Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing (KWKKR) Assistant Minister, Datuk Rina Jainal; KWKKR Permanent Secretary, Datuk Maria Chong; and Sabah Welfare Services Department Director, Jais Asri.
