Latest news with #JKKK
Borneo Post
15 hours ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Six longhouses in rural Katibas now get 24-hour power supply, thanks to RES
Lidam, flanked by Harry (standing, fifth left) and Ambrose, joins others in a group photo with the villagers of Rumah Johnny at Sungai Tekalit in Katibas. KAPIT (July 29): The villagers of six longhouses at Sungai Tekalit in Katibas now enjoy 24-hour electricity supply, thanks to the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES). Under Phase III of the scheme, the people of Rumah Johnny, Rumah Dunggo, Rumah Lumpong, Rumah Bahrain, Rumah Ensam and Rumah Ebin are now benefitting from reliable power that has improved their daily lives. The RES sets out to extend the existing supply from Sarawak Power Grid to the 'un-electrified' areas, giving access to electricity for rural households and other facilities such as rural schools and rural clinics. 'This facility (RES) has brought significant changes to the daily lives of these longhouse residents in Tekalit. 'Now, they don't have to worry about cooking food like meat, fish and vegetables immediately, as these can be kept fresh in the fridge over a longer period of time. 'More importantly, however, the stable electricity supply really benefit the fields of education, health and local economy. 'Students can now access online learning, and our healthcare workers can utilise medical equipment to the fullest. 'This is an important step in rural development,' said Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan in announcing the readiness of RES Phase III at Rumah Johny last weekend. On another matter, he called upon the village security and development committee (JKKK) of Rumah Johnny to engage with the local Fire and Rescue (Bomba) statin in programmes meant to raise public awareness of longhouse fire safety. 'Seek advice on setting up your own Volunteer Firefighting Squad,' he added. Later, the assemblyman announced a government grant for JKKK Rumah Johnny to plan and hold activities meant for the benefit of the longhouse folks. Among those present at the session were the Ambrose Abong Bugek, the political secretary to federal Works Minister; Watson Awan Jalai, a political secretary to the Sarawak Premier; Song District officer Harry Bruce Edwin; local community leaders Temenggong Jamit Untam, Temenggong Toh Tze Hua, Pemanca Lim Eng Hock and Penghulu John Kho Chong Bee; as well as Sarawak Energy Bhd divisional engineer Mariana Sylvester. electricity supply Lidam Assan longhouses rural electrification scheme
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Grassroots leaders must understand govt initiatives to better serve rural communities, says Telang Usan rep
Dennis (seated centre) with other guests and participants commemorate the event with a group photo. MIRI (July 25): Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau has called on grassroots leaders to develop a clear understanding of government initiatives implemented in their areas. He said by doing so, they will be better positioned to support and explain these efforts to the people, thus reinforcing public trust and encouraging active participation in the state's development agenda ― particularly rural and remote communities. 'I urge the leaders ― including community leaders, village chiefs, and members of the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) ― to fully understand what government initiatives are. These refer to any plans or programmes intended to bring benefits to the people,' he said. Dennis was speaking to reporters after officiating at the closing ceremony of the MyDesa Leadership Course for the Orang Ulu community from Telang Usan district and the Long Bedian sub-district, held today. According to him, one of the key initiatives currently being championed by the Sarawak government is the carbon trading programme ― which aims to tap into the state's vast forest resources as a new source of economic value. 'In addition to conserving forests, the initiative will also provide economic returns and job opportunities for the people,' he said. However, Dennis also cautioned that there are certain quarters attempting to stir unrest by urging locals to reject these government-backed efforts. 'That is why it is important for our grassroots leaders to truly understand these programmes. If they don't understand, they should reach out to us for clarification,' he added. Dennis further urged community leaders to strengthen grassroots support for the Sarawak leadership under Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He noted that through Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), numerous development projects have been delivered to Baram under mechanisms such as the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP), Highland Development Agency (HDA), Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda), and others. In addition, he advised grassroots leaders to carry out their responsibilities with diligence and integrity, emphasising that they will play a crucial role in shaping the future of their communities. 'They face significant challenges, but I urge them to take a long-term approach in all that they do,' he said. Dennis also reminded village chiefs to update their village profiles with the District Office and the Telang Usan constituency service centre to streamline applications and requests. 'They should familiarize themselves with the procedures to apply for project funding from both state and federal agencies,' he stressed. The MyDesa Leadership Course, organized by the Sarawak branch of the Institute for Rural Advancement (INFRA), ran for three days beginning July 23 at Dynasty Hotel. A total of 103 participants took part, comprising JKKK chairpersons, secretaries, and two bureau representatives, nominated by the District Office. The course aimed to strengthen participants' leadership capacity, improve governance in village-level administration, and equip them with practical knowledge to plan, implement, and report initiatives more effectively. Also present were Sarawak INFRA head Annie Liaw, Senior Assistant Director (Administration Unit) of Sarawak Premier's Department Azmi Usup, Long Bedian sub-district administrative officer Nancy Abau, and Pemanca Nawan Luhat. Dennis Ngau government initiatives grassroot leaders understanding
Daily Express
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Ranau folks glad for approval of new settlement
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Abidin and others during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new settlement for the Kg Kimarahang residents. RANAU: Dozens of residents of Kg Kimarahang here breathed a sigh of relief after receiving the green light for the establishment of a new settlement in an agricultural land. The villagers' original housing area was involved in the Pan Borneo Highway project. Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister-cum-Paginatan Assemblyman, Datuk Abidin Madingkir, had officiated the new housing area. 'We are grateful that the Department of Agriculture finally allowed the residents affected by the Pan Borneo Highway to build houses in Kg Tampios. 'This land had been gazetted specifically to help the residents of Kg Kimarahang. Although the gazettement is conditional, this shows that the Government is serious about solving the people's problems. 'As your people's representative, it is my responsibility to listen and act to solve your problems, especially in the Paginatan DUN,' Abidin said when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony at the Sungai Liwagu riverside, Kg Tampios. Meanwhile, Native Chief (KAN) Dualis Porodtong also shed light on the background of the land area identified as a new settlement site for the affected residents. He said the area, which is approximately three acres, was an Agricultural Station that operated in the 1980s but had been neglected of late. 'There was an effort by the village, through the Chairman of the JKKK Kg Tampios, to apply for this area to be made into a village reserve land. However, the application did not receive approval from the Agriculture Department and Ranau Land Department. 'Finally, with the help of our Datuk Abidin Madingkir, the land was gazetted as a temporary settlement for the residents of Kg Kimarahang who lost their village land because it was included in the Pan Borneo Highway Project. 'With the gazettement, 19 families can breathe a sigh of relief because they now have a land to build new houses,' he said. Village Head Nursakila Abdullah expressed her appreciation to Abidin for his efforts in obtaining the Agricultural Land Area as a new settlement site. A representative of the residents, Bansun Igam, also expressed his gratitude to Abidin for his efforts to realise the residents' dream of getting a new housing site. 'It has at least solved our problem of getting a new housing site. Although the area was gazetted as temporary, we are grateful to have received it, especially for those of us who do not have private land. 'However, we are requesting assistance from Datuk to donate zinc roofs so we can start building our house,' he said. Bansun called on all residents of Kg Kimarahang and Kg Tampios to give their unwavering support to the Assemblyman. Meanwhile, on the zinc roof and tank requests, Abidin said he will submit the applications to the Pan Borneo contractors and hoped they can help through their CSR programme. In the ceremony, he also officiated the Kg Tampios hall's mini kitchen. Also present were ADO Florencia Padasian, PPM Hishamudin Harun, Datuk Abidin Madingkir's Special Officer, Juis Konsuling, CDO Jipili Sigal, Head of Wiranita Star Paginatan, Siti Nurjana Abas, Head of Wiramuda Star Paginatan, Hillary Salmoen and surrounding village leaders. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Grassroots governance in Sabah – an illusion?
Published on: Monday, July 21, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 By: Anita Limjoon, Paul Canigea P, Fiona V Loijon Text Size: The State Government provided RM277 million to JKKKs in the year 2024, but this money decreased to RM247 million in 2025, and JKDM frameworks are generally lacking clearly defined budgetary allowances or operational policies. SABAH rural society is under-developed to such degree that it does not serve real needs and wishes of the people. Though administration units at the village level like the Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung (JKKK) have been initiated to act as a medium between the citizenry and the State agencies, the voices of the local citizens are often pushed to the margins throughout the formulation processes both at the state and national levels. Advertisement Originally, these committees were intended to translate local concerns into the policy process, but they often work under very harsh conditions, including limited funding, training, independence, and ultimately reducing their capabilities and compromising community trust in their efficiency. Overlapping of mandate between the traditional JKKK and the new federal-level institutions, especially the Jawatankuasa Desa Madani (JKDM), also complicates the issues facing village development. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article. Support Independant Journalism Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News Exclusive News Invites to special events Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards 1-Year Most Popular (Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
14-07-2025
- Borneo Post
‘Stronger cooperation needed to root out growing drug abuse problem among rural youths'
Aidel (front row, centre) gestures with others in a group photo during the programme. — Ukas photo KUCHING (July 14): Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Aidel Lariwoo is calling for urgent action and stronger collaboration from all sectors of society amid the growing problem of drug abuse among rural youth. According to a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, he said recent statistics indicated a worrying rise in drug use among youths in villages—a trend that was rapidly becoming a serious threat to the wellbeing of rural communities. 'Compared to 10 or 20 years ago, drug dealers today are bolder and more cunning at infiltrating villages. Dangerous substances such as 'syabu' and 'batu' (crystal meth) are being openly distributed to the youth,' he said at the launch of the 'Cegah Sebelum Parah' programme at Dewan Warisan Sadong Jaya on Saturday. The Sadong Jaya assemblyman urged for stronger cooperation from all quarters, including community leaders, village security and development committees (JKKK), the police, National Anti-Drugs Agency and local residents in combating the drug menace at the grassroots level. He also expressed his support for the Education Ministry's move to conduct mandatory urine tests among secondary school students. 'This initiative must continue, as it plays a crucial role in deterring youth from early involvement in drugs,' he said. He commended ongoing efforts by law enforcement and anti-drug agencies in carrying out both open and covert surveillance in rural areas, noting that such vigilance must be maintained. Aidel also called on community networks such as community and village leaders, JKKK, local patrol teams and grassroots associations to remain actively engaged in identifying at-risk individuals and reporting suspicious activities. He also recommended the implementation of more educational and awareness programmes at the village level to equip residents with knowledge about the dangers of drug abuse. 'Youth-focused social and developmental activities should also be encouraged as positive alternatives to steer young people away from harmful influences,' he added. aidel lariwoo community drug abuse lead rural youth
