KOTA KINABALU: The Minister of Community Development and People’s Well-being (KPMKR), Datuk James Ratib is working with the parties concerned to find a thorough solution including providing jobs to the Palauh community in the state.
“The issue of homeless people from the Palauh community is causing discomfort to the community in this state, especially in urban centers such as Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Lahad Datu.
“This is also a test and a challenge for me in finding a solution to this matter,” he said.
According to James, among the Actions he has taken as a Task Force to deal with the matter is to carry out operations to rescue the homeless people of Palauh.
Following on from that, he added, his party has set up a temporary shelter and provided basic education, personal care and skills to all the Palauh homeless involved.
James who is also the Sugut Assemblyman said this in conjunction with the New Year 2024 Ministerial Mandate Event which was held at SICC, Kota Kinabalu on Monday.
In his speech, he also touched on several other important matters that are happening at the moment.
Regarding disasters and flood victims, he added that as early as January last year, he continued to be tested by flood disasters episodes in several districts throughout Sabah.
“Where at that time thousands of victims had to take shelter in Temporary Settlement Centers and needed attention and help from the Government, especially KPMKR.
“As an action and suggestion, we have channeled aid to the flood victims involved where the supply of ‘Fast Food’ has been launched for the flood victims at the Temporary Settlement Center (PPS).
“We have also made a proposal to build a Food Depot in the ‘Flood Hotspot’ area,” he said.
Regarding another issue, i.e. the issue of the price of goods, James told that as early as 2023, he as Exco of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, was also tested with the issue of the increase in the price of goods, especially the price of chicken and eggs.
“Due to this issue, among the actions we have taken is to conduct a series of Walk Abouts in several Supermarkets together with the Sabah KPDN, to monitor the current prices of controlled items, in addition to ensuring the Halal & Safety status of food, especially chicken and meat is a priority,” he said.
Meanwhile, regarding the issue of health facilities and access, as Sabah State Health Exco, he is also faced with a considerable challenge when the reports and records received found that health facilities and access, especially in rural areas, are still at a very disappointing level even though the country has become independent for over 60 years.
For this, he said, among the actions taken included throughout the year 2023, he visited several Hospitals and Clinics in Sabah to see for himself the problems faced.
“We also had a working visit to Singapore to review the implementation of the Autism School for the state of Sabah.
“In the same regard, I have resolved several issues faced by Hospitals and Clinics in the state of Sabah that have been delayed for years, even decades.
“I have proposed the Free Health Checkup Assistance Scheme for the People of Sabah. This was brought to the Cabinet Meeting on January 24 and approved.
“We also proposed the Sabah Rakyat Takaful Protection Scheme, where this has also been brought to the Cabinet Meeting,” he said.
James added that as a result of these issues involving the well-being of the people in the state of Sabah, this is the main reason why the Mandate Event was held on Monday.
He said that the officers and staff of departments and agencies under the ministry, including NGOs, are the machinery that will be the implementers and the eyes and ears of the Government, especially to him as the Minister in charge.
“Indeed, the excellence of service delivery to the level of developing a prosperous society by 2026 and empowering the service delivery system through efficient and effective governance and integrity, is part of the Vision and Mission of KPMKR.
“In order to achieve this Vision and Mission, it is certain that we will face many challenges, therefore I would like to invite all employees of the Ministry, departments and agencies as well as NGOs to continue to provide the best service.
“The ministry also very much welcomes the involvement of the community, including NGOs, to jointly understand the challenges that the government faces in bringing socio-economic development to the people in this state.
“In addition, I also welcome NGOs to cooperate in spreading the government’s correct efforts in addition to providing feedback on expectations and new proposals to develop the state of Sabah,” he said.
James hopes that all KPMKR citizens, departments and agencies will continue to achieve success after success and show a work culture of high performance, integrity and enthusiasm in carrying out their duties.
