Latest news with #JamesRatib
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
More women holding top Sabah Government posts
Published on: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 23, 2025 Text Size: James also expressed appreciation to the outgoing main and sub-committee members of the Sabah Women Advisory Council (MPWS) for the 2021–2024 term, who played a vital role in designing and implementing strategic women empowerment programmes, including AKWan. Kota Kinabalu: About 33 per cent of women in Sabah have held the position of Deputy State Secretary as of July 16 this year, while 30pc have served as permanent secretaries in ministries and 50pc as heads of departments. During the same period, women also made up 26pc of board members and chief executive officers (CEOs) in government-linked companies (GLCs). State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said this when officiating the Women's Leadership Course (AKWan) 2024 graduation ceremony for its second cohort, here. His speech was read by the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Maria Chong. A total of 171 participants completed the course this year, the majority of whom were grassroots leaders and women activists from various local organisations. James said AKWan empowers women's role in State development by producing capable female leaders. He said since its establishment in 2021, AKWan has served as a strategic platform for women's development, not only offering leadership exposure but also boosting participants' confidence and readiness to take on decision-making roles at both state and national levels. 'Data from the 2024 AKWan cohort shows that most participants are grassroots leaders actively involved in various organisations, indicating that women are increasingly prepared to take on leadership responsibilities,' he said. 'Today's graduates represent the next generation of brave, knowledgeable and high-potential women leaders who will drive community development,' he added. He also urged the graduates to embrace leadership roles in politics, public service, GLCs and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). James also expressed appreciation to the outgoing main and sub-committee members of the Sabah Women Advisory Council (MPWS) for the 2021–2024 term, who played a vital role in designing and implementing strategic women empowerment programmes, including AKWan. 'Their commitment is clearly reflected in areas such as education, entrepreneurship, community leadership and social development, areas that position women as agents of change,' he said. James also announced upcoming programmes under MPWS and the Sabah Women's Affairs Department (Jhewa), such as the Women Leaders Symposium, Engagement with Sabah's Women Leaders and Women's Lab, which aim to further strengthen the women's leadership ecosystem in the State. Also present were Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and MPWS Chairperson Datuk Rosmawati Lasuki, as well as Jhewa Director Haslina Ismail. * 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
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
More day care centres and facilities for elderly, disabled
James Ratib at the State Assembly. KOTA KINABALU (July 7): The State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Ministry (KPMKR), through the General Welfare Services Department (JPKA), plans to expand the number of day care centres for the elderly and disabled in major urban areas across Sabah. Its minister, Datuk James Ratib, said the initiative includes key projects in Sandakan, such as the proposed construction of a training complex for the disabled, a new Handicapped Children's Education Park building, and the renovation of the Sri Harapan Home for the Elderly. At the Sri Harapan Home, which currently accommodates around 50 senior citizens, the government also plans to build a new ward costing RM2.5 million. Once completed, it will be able to house 20 additional residents and accommodate 20 more staff members. Kota Kinabalu will also see developments under this initiative, including the construction of an integrated complex for the disabled and elderly in Inanam. The facility will offer paid day care services for 50 residents, training and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, and psychosocial support for the elderly. In addition, a new home for elderly individuals without dependents is currently being developed in Telupid, at a cost of around RM5 million. This centre will have the capacity to house 15 senior citizens and is expected to be completed in 2026. James said the Telupid project could serve as a model for future expansion into other urban centres such as Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu. He made these remarks during the question-and-answer session at the State Assembly today.
Borneo Post
30-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Kota Marudu Hospital equipped with CT scanner
James gives his thumbs up to the MDCT machine at the Kota Marudu Hospital. KOTA MARUDU (June 30): The Kota Marudu Hospital is now equipped with a Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) scanner, enhancing diagnostic capabilities at its radiology unit. Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the new equipment will benefit the combined population of Kota Marudu, Pitas and Kudat, totalling 192,598 residents. 'Previously, around 1,500 to 1,800 patients annually had to be referred to specialist hospitals in Kota Kinabalu for CT scans. Now, this essential service is available locally, reducing travel time and cost while enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment,' he said. James described the MDCT scanner as a significant addition to the hospital's capacity to deliver quality medical care. 'Based on the annual workload, this number is expected to grow. Having the MDCT scanner will not only accelerate diagnoses but also improve accuracy, allowing patients to receive more timely and precise treatment,' he added. He also officiated the launch of the newly completed Radiology Department building at the hospital. The upgraded facility offers a more modern environment, benefiting both healthcare personnel and patients. 'Such infrastructure improvements reflect the government's commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all, regardless of geography or background,' James said. He highlighted the investment in advanced medical technology like the MDCT scanner as a step towards a more sustainable and responsive healthcare system. In line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Health Assistance Scheme – Sabah Sejahtera, he also announced that 100 haemodialysis machines have been contributed by the Sabah State Government to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) for distribution across the state. During the event, James handed over eight haemodialysis machines to cluster hospitals in the northern region: Kota Marudu Hospital (two units), Kudat Hospital (four units) and Pitas Hospital (two units). 'This contribution not only expands the treatment capacity of our healthcare facilities but also brings renewed hope to kidney patients who require regular haemodialysis. We hope it will help shorten the waiting list and provide more efficient and comfortable treatment,' he said. James stressed that the initiative forms part of broader efforts under the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan to enhance the wellbeing of Sabahans through improved healthcare services. 'We understand that haemodialysis treatment is costly and can be a heavy financial burden, especially for rural families. With this contribution, we aim to ease that burden and improve patients' quality of life,' he said.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Dzulkefly: Govt may exempt Sabah, Sarawak doctors from rural allowance freeze
KOTA KINABALU: The Health Ministry will consider exempting medical doctors in Sabah and Sarawak from the freeze on rural allowances. Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said the issue would be raised at the upcoming cabinet meeting. The freeze was implemented following the tabling of Budget 2025 as part of the Finance Ministry's fiscal consolidation strategy. "This issue was raised during my visit here, and we have taken it very seriously. "We will table the matter at the Cabinet meeting and examine it thoroughly," he said during the handover of 100 haemodialysis machines from the Sabah government to the Health Ministry at Queen Elizabeth Hospital II today. He was responding to concerns raised by Sabah Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib yesterday. James had warned that the freeze could discourage contract doctors from renewing their service in remote parts of Sabah, especially given the lack of basic infrastructure in rural areas compared to urban centres. There are currently about 4,000 government doctors serving in the state. Earlier, Dr Dzulkefly said the haemodialysis machines were urgently needed to boost treatment capacity in public health facilities across Sabah. The number of end-stage renal failure patients seeking treatment at government facilities in the state has increased from 1,831 in 2020 to 2,133 in 2024. At present, Sabah has 474 haemodialysis machines; of these, only 435 are operational, while 39 are damaged. The Sabah government has allocated RM8.5 million, including RM4.5 million for the procurement of the machines. Patients will be exempted from the RM13 fee for using the machines, while those undergoing home-based treatment via the Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) method will receive a RM100 subsidy from the state government.
The Star
12-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Sabah's Queen Elizabeth Hospital gets 100 new haemodialysis machines
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has gifted 100 units of haemodialysis machines to alleviate the burden of end-stage kidney failure patients in the state. State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib handed over the machines in an event held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital II here Thursday (June 12). In his speech, he said that this is part of the Sabah Maju Jaya Health Assistance Scheme with an allocation of RM8.5mil. 'Out of this amount, RM4mil is for treatment and RM4.5mil is for the dialysis machines. 'Eligible patients who do home dialysis will also get a monthly subsidy of RM100 for their treatment,' James said, adding that this is aimed at lessening the burdens of needy patients. He said the number of patients has increased from 1,831 in 2020 to 2,133 in 2024. With such an increase, the need to improve medical services also increased, he said, adding that the government was committed to providing quality and affordable medical access to patients. To date, Sabah has a total of 474 haemodialysis machines to be shared among all patients, but only 435 units are functioning properly while the rest are in need of repair. Patients using these machines are required to pay RM13 for each session, and they have to do it a few times a week, depending on the severity of their condition. In another event earlier, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital saw the launch of its new signboard and history gallery, an initiative led by the Commonwealth Association of Leadership Malaysia (CALM), in collaboration with the Sabah State Health Department and the hospital. The effort aims to preserve the legacy of one of Sabah's oldest and most important hospitals, while recognising the contributions of healthcare personnel since its establishment. Speaking at the handover ceremony of the signboard and gallery, Sabah Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the initiative reflects an appreciation of the significant role QEH has played in the development of the State's healthcare system. 'Queen Elizabeth Hospital has played an important role in the lives of Sabahans for many years. This initiative ensures that the hospital's history and the sacrifices of those who have served here are not forgotten,' he said. The new signboard serves as a historical marker highlighting the hospital's colonial-era origins, including its official opening by the Countess of Perth in 1957 and the visit by Queen Elizabeth II in 1972, which led to the hospital's official naming. The historical gallery displays photographs, documents, and key artefacts marking major milestones in the hospital's growth. It is open to the public and serves as a resource for students, researchers, and the wider community. Masidi also expressed appreciation to CALM for its commitment and leadership in realising the project, and commended the close collaboration with the Sabah Health Department and QEH. He added that other hospitals should consider similar efforts to preserve their institutional history and foster greater public appreciation of Malaysia's healthcare system.
