Boost for development, economy: Nizam
Published on: Sun, May 11, 2025 Text Size: Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan THE 2025 Madani Rakyat Programme (PMR) serves as a development catalyst and has the potential to boost the local economy, said Assistant Minister to the Sabah Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. The Apas Assemblyman said the initiative delivers government services to the people to help them raise their living standards. 'When large-scale programmes like this are brought to Tawau, we get upgrades in many aspects — particularly in street lighting... roads and other infrastructure. It also creates business opportunities for local entrepreneurs in the district and surrounding areas to set up stalls to promote their products. 'Although PMR runs for only three days (May 9 to 11), the benefits to the people do not end when the programme concludes. I hope all ministries and agencies involved will continue to serve and support those needing various guidance,' he said. He thanked the Performance Acceleration and Coordination Unit (Pacu), the Prime Minister's Office and the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (Kuskop) for choosing Tawau to host the programme this year. 'The programme was held in Kota Kinabalu last year. Many people from the east coast of Sabah could not attend due to the distance (about 450km),' he said, urging Tawau residents to take the opportunity to attend the event and get information on the services offered by federal and state agencies. 'PMR significantly benefits urban and rural communities by providing the public direct access to government agency services. This programme serves as a platform for interaction between the people and the Government while directly conveying the principles of the Madani policies,' he added. Meanwhile, over 100 products specially flown from Perlis are featured at the 2025 Madani Rakyat Programme (PMR) here, including garam belacan (fruit dip), belacan madu (shrimp paste), fermented fish and cordial made from Harumanis mango. Administrative Assistant for the Entrepreneurship Portfolio at the Perlis State Secretary's Office, Syazana Afiqah Nahar, said the Sabah PMR is an ideal platform to showcase Perlis's products and heritage to Sabahans and promote the State's tourism industry in conjunction with Visit Perlis 2024–2025 campaign. 'Among the products are various types of belacan…and Harumanis cordial, produced by the Koperasi Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti Anak Istimewa Perlis, a cooperative which plays an active role in supporting the development of children with special needs and disabilities in Perlis,' she said. Syazana Afiqah said they are also promoting tourist attractions in Perlis through various souvenirs, including fridge magnets that highlight the unique features of these locations. 'We hope programmes like this can provide an opportunity for the people of Sabah to get to know Perlis better,' she said. A visitor, Nuri Juliana Majuntis, 45, said she bought the fermented lampam fish, which brought back the nostalgia that reminds her of the visit to the State two years ago. 'I love Perlis fermented lampam fish. The taste is unique and unlike other fermented fish. I'm so happy to be able to buy it here again. I've purchased a lot to keep and share with my family,' she added. Irmawati Abdul Kadir, 38, said she was interested in the Harumanis cordial, which she claimed had the authentic taste of the state's famous Harumanis mango. 'When I heard that it's made from the famous Harumanis mango from Perlis, I immediately wanted to buy it. Unfortunately, the stock is limited. I'll try to order it online,' she said. The booth, managed by the Perlis Economic Planning Division, is in the sales section of PMR 2025. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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