
UMS launches Kampung Angkat MADANI programme in Rampayan Laut
KOTA KINABALU (July 26): Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has been entrusted by the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) to lead the Kampung Angkat MADANI initiative in Kampung Rampayan Laut, Sepanggar.
It is a national community upliftment programme aims at improving the quality of life of villagers through sustainable and inclusive development.
According to UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor, five key physical development projects will be carried out under the coordination of the university's Centre for Community Sustainability Engagement (Pusat Kelestarian Libatsama Masyarakat, PKLM).
'One of the first projects will be the construction of a village gateway, which will serve as a proud new symbol and landmark, a reflection of the community's maritime spirit and aspirations,' he said.
He added that an open hall will also be built, envisioned as a multipurpose space that will serve as the heartbeat of the village, a comfortable and well-organised venue for community gatherings, meetings, planning and celebrations.
Prof Kasim was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme held in the village.
Also in the pipeline is the construction of a community centre, a space designed to nurture knowledge, skills and potential, particularly among the youth of Kampung Rampayan Laut.
'In addition, solar-powered streetlights will be installed across the village. This not only addresses lighting needs at night, but also promotes environmental sustainability and safety through the use of green technology,' he said.
The fifth and final project is the building of a fishermen's jetty, a critical facility to support the local fishing community, making daily routines such as boat docking and fish landings more efficient and accessible.
Prof Kasim noted that the projects, with a combined allocation of up to RM1 million, are being implemented in accordance with guidelines from the Ministry of Finance and KPT.
'This is a significant investment, and we at UMS are committed to ensuring that every ringgit spent brings meaningful returns to the community, in the form of quality infrastructure, impactful programmes, and long-term capacity building.
'These kinds of initiatives are essential to ensuring no village is left behind in the national development agenda. Kampung Rampayan Laut, in particular, holds great economic potential due to its strategic location near the city,' he said.
Prof Kasim called on the local residents to fully support the initiative, care for the facilities provided, and seize the opportunities, especially in upcoming knowledge-sharing programmes and skill-based activities.
At the ceremony, he also officiated the symbolic groundbreaking for the open hall, to be built on government-owned land in the village.
Also present were UMS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Ir Dr Rosalam Sarbatly; UMS treasurer Datuk Badrul Hisham Ismail; UMS chief librarian Zawawi Tiyunin; UMS legal advisor Ag Suhaizam Bungso; Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Industry and Community Network) Prof ChM Ts Dr Coswald Stephen Sipaut @ Mohd Nasri; PKLM director Ts Dr Ag Sufiyan Abd Hamid; Kampung Rampayan Laut village head Amberen Aliamat and chairman of the Village Development and Security Committee, Amlan Jais.
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