Latest news with #JamesRatib
The Star
6 days ago
- General
- The Star
Mobile community services bring much-needed government aid to Paitan, Sabah
James Ratib (right) speaking with government agency representatives at the MCS booth in Paitan. Norali (left) looks on. SANDAKAN: A rural outreach programme led by the Sabah Federal Treasury has proven to be a lifeline for remote communities in Paitan, one of the state's most remote and rural areas. Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the Mobile Community Services (MCS) programme allowed direct access to federal and state government services in places previously beyond reach. 'Many residents here still struggle to access basic public services. This programme helps bridge that gap,' he said after launching the programme at the Paitan district office on Sunday (May 25). Located in the northeastern part of Sabah, Paitan has an estimated population of around 29,100 residents. It was officially upgraded to a full district on August 1, 2024, becoming Sabah's 29th and youngest district, a move aimed at improving administrative efficiency and bringing government services closer to its remote communities. However, the district still lacks many basic government facilities, such as a dental clinic and other permanent public service offices. The MCS programme featured service counters by 36 federal and state agencies, including the Health Ministry and the Agriculture Department. 'These kinds of programmes must be held more frequently in my area. This is a vast and isolated part of Sabah. Programmes like MCS deliver services swiftly and directly to the people,' he said. James also noted the significance of MCS in identifying gaps in permanent agency presence in the district. 'Now that Paitan is a full district, this is a good start. I was pleased to hear that a District Education Officer will soon be stationed here permanently. I hope other departments will follow suit, so that agencies no longer operate here on a temporary basis,' he said. Paitan district officer Joe Joloning Majambu echoed this sentiment, describing the MCS event as 'historic' for the district. 'This is the first time MCS is being held in Paitan and it has clearly benefited not just local residents but also those coming from outlying areas and islands. I am truly grateful to the Sabah Federal Treasury, especially Tuan Awang Norali, for their commitment in bringing this programme to us,' he said. Federal Financial Officer Norali @ Ag Norali Ag Damit said the programme was among the key rural-focused initiatives funded under Budget 2025. 'Altogether, we will be reaching 12 locations in Sabah this year. The main goal is to serve interior communities facing accessibility issues in obtaining government services,' he said. Norali said the next MCS events will be held in Kota Marudu – at Kampung Gana on June 18 and Magandai on June 21 – followed by a programme at Pulau Jambongan in Paitan on June 29.
The Star
7 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Water lifeline in the works for Tangkarason, says Sabah minister
An aerial view of Kampung Tangkarason in Paitan, showing the newly rebuilt health clinic and surrounding rural landscape. SANDAKAN: The Sabah government is working to connect drought-stricken Tangkarason to a proper water supply system after weeks of public concern over the village's reliance on crocodile-infested rivers and muddy ponds. State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the remote village in Beluran has been given priority under the Rural Water Supply Programme. 'A plan is in place to connect Tangkarason to a main pipe from the Paitan trunk line. Discussions are ongoing with the Water Department, and the district office has been instructed to arrange for temporary supply to the village health clinic,' he said. Tangkarason is in the Paitan sub-district, a remote and sparsely populated area known for its rugged terrain and scattered settlements. It was previously reported that Tangkarason's 3,000 residents have long struggled without piped water, relying on unsafe rivers and ponds — some inhabited by crocodiles — for their daily needs. During the current dry spell, even these sources have become dangerously scarce, forcing villagers to ration water and risk their safety daily. James, who is also the Sugut assemblyman, said the water issue is especially urgent for the village's health clinic, which recently resumed operations in a permanent building after months of operating temporarily from a community hall. 'The clinic is running now, but it still needs basic utilities like piped water. That's our next step,' he said, adding that the power supply is currently through generators, with longer-term plans involving Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd. Datuk James Ratib at the Paitan district-level Kaamatan Festival 2025. He was speaking when met at the launching of the Paitan district-level Kaamatan Festival over the weekend. Paitan district officer Joe Joloning Majambu, who was also present, said efforts to address the water issue were raised at the district-level disaster management committee and have since been escalated to relevant state agencies. He added that the proposed water supply extension to Tangkarason had been approved in principle under the 12th Malaysia Plan, with funding pending from the Federal Government. 'If approved, the water supply will benefit not only Tangkarason but also four to five neighbouring villages, including two schools,' he said. Joe said electricity remains a challenge in the area, but the federal Rural and Regional Development Ministry had approved the rollout of solar hybrid systems in several nearby villages. As for road access, he confirmed that the current route used by villagers is through a palm oil estate after the original access was taken over. 'The road to Tangkarason has been shortlisted for upgrading by the Public Works Department. We know clean water alone is not enough if we can't reach these places,' he said. Winnie Mogak, a small trader in the village, said she has to buy about 20 cartons of bottled water every month just to meet her family's daily needs. 'The ponds have dried up. Even the rivers turn salty during the drought, so we can't use them. 'The only way we get water now is from rainwater catchments or wells. That's all we have,' she said. She urged the government to expedite the piped water project, saying clean water should no longer be a luxury for the people of Tangkarason. 'We're tired of waiting. Clean water is not a privilege — it's our right,' she said.
Daily Express
21-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
‘Review perks of rural docs'
Published on: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Published on: Wed, May 21, 2025 Text Size: James said this after launching the Sandakan-level Kaamatan Festival at the Sandakan Community Hall on Saturday (May 17). SANDAKAN: The lack of incentives for doctors serving in rural areas discourages them from working in challenging locations, prompting calls to review their allowances, says Datuk James Ratib. The State Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister said that while basic salaries for doctors had been raised, their rural allowances had been 'frozen,' resulting in no significant difference in compensation between those working in rural and urban settings. He said this after launching the Sandakan-level Kaamatan Festival at the Sandakan Community Hall on Saturday (May 17). 'I am urging the Federal Government, especially the Health Ministry, to reconsider this decision, as it affects the willingness of doctors to work in remote areas,' he said. James noted that the difficult working conditions, including limited facilities and housing challenges, add to the struggles faced by doctors in rural areas, making it harder to retain medical personnel in places like Sabah and Sarawak. James, who also oversees community wellbeing, said that finding suitable housing for doctors in rural areas was a persistent issue, as many are reluctant to move due to the lack of proper accommodation. Advertisement Meanwhile, James said that Sabah had received 100 additional dialysis machines for government hospitals and health clinics across the state, including six for the Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) in Sandakan. He said the new machines would complement the existing units and replace faulty ones. James also thanked the Sabah government, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, for approving the funding for these machines. He added that the Sandakan Hospital would be upgraded to a state-level facility, with an estimated RM400mil allocated for the project under the 13th Malaysia Plan. 'The preliminary work, costing around RM400,000, is already underway, and the project has received federal approval in principle. We hope this upgrade will proceed quickly once the costing is finalised,' he said. * 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
The Star
17-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Kaamatan not a 'drinking festival', says Sabah minister
SANDAKAN: Pesta Kaamatan is not a "drinking festival" as some have labelled it, but a celebration of culture and tradition, says Sabah Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib. He said the annual harvest festival, celebrated by the Kadazandusun Murut Rungus (KDMR) community, holds deep cultural significance and was meant to honour traditions, particularly the legend of "Huminodun," a central figure in the KDMR folklore that symbolises sacrifice and the cycle of life. "Some people label this as a (merely) 'drinking festival,' saying that wherever there is Kaamatan, there is drinking, whether it's tapai or other traditional brews," he said while adding that this was incorrect. "This festival is about remembering our traditions and culture, especially the story of Huminodun, which has historical roots. If we do not remember this every year, this heritage will disappear over time, and we must pass it on to our children," he added during his speech at the Sandakan-level Kaamatan Festival on Saturday (May 17). James also highlighted the broader significance of Kaamatan, saying that it was not just about cultural preservation, but also about economic growth and social unity. He said that the celebration helps boost the local economy, providing opportunities for small traders, artisans, and local businesses, while also promoting Sandakan as a tourism destination with attractions like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and Agnes Keith House. He further called on the community to use the Kaamatan festival as a platform to strengthen social bonds, promote inclusivity, and foster a spirit of togetherness, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Sabah minister urges review of rural doctors' allowances
SANDAKAN: The lack of incentives for doctors serving in rural areas discourages them from working in challenging locations, prompting calls to review their allowances, says Datuk James Ratib Datuk James Ratib. James Ratib, who also serves as the Sabah Health EXCO, said that while basic salaries for doctors have been raised, their rural allowances have been "frozen," resulting in no significant difference in compensation between those working in rural and urban settings. He said this after launching the Sandakan-level Kaamatan Festival at the Sandakan Community Hall on Saturday (May 17). "I am urging the federal government, especially the Health Ministry, to reconsider this decision, as it affects the willingness of doctors to work in remote areas," he said. James noted that the difficult working conditions, including limited facilities and housing challenges, add to the struggles faced by doctors in rural areas, making it harder to retain medical personnel in places like Sabah and Sarawak. James, who also oversees community wellbeing, said that finding suitable housing for doctors in rural areas was a persistent issue, as many are reluctant to move due to the lack of proper accommodation. Meanwhile, James said that Sabah has received 100 additional dialysis machines for government hospitals and health clinics across the state, including six for the Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) in Sandakan. He said the new machines would complement the existing units and replace faulty ones. James also thanked the Sabah government, under the leadership of Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, for approving the funding for these machines. He added that the Sandakan Hospital would be upgraded to a state-level facility, with an estimated RM400mil allocated for the project under the 13th Malaysia Plan. "The preliminary work, costing around RM400,000, is already underway, and the project has received federal approval in principle. We hope this upgrade will proceed quickly once the costing is finalised," he said.
