Latest news with #LocalGovernmentandHousing
Daily Express
a day ago
- Daily Express
Alarming rise in sexual assault cases
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 By: Lagatah Toyos Text Size: Dr Joachim presenting an Anti-Sexual Harassment Notice to Tawau Ministry of Health Training Institute Director Dr Kogilavani Subermaniam. TAWAU: A concerted effort from all parties is crucial to address the rising issue of sexual harassment, which has shown a significant increase nationwide, said Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. He noted that based on reports from the police there were 477 sexual harassment cases recorded in 2022, which rose to 522 cases in 2023 and surged further to 788 cases in 2024. Advertisement As of March this year alone, 214 cases have already been reported, including five in Sabah. He said the increasing numbers reflects the severity of sexual harassment and the need to raise public awareness while strengthening support channels for victims. 'Sexual harassment is an immoral act that can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, race or religion. 'This issue must be addressed early because if left unchecked, it can lead to more serious crimes such as rape and violence against women,' he added. Advertisement Dr Joachim said this at the closing ceremony of the Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry's (KPWKM) 2025 Kembara Kasih Programme at the Tawau Sports Complex Hall here on Saturday. Present were KPWKM Deputy Secretary-General (Operations) Farah Adura Hamidi, representing the KPWKM Minister, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, Tawau MP Datuk Lo Su Fui, Balung Assemblyman Datuk Hamild Awang and Kukusan Assemblywoman Datuk Rina Jainal. Dr Joachim welcomed KPWKM's initiative in establishing the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) as an alternative to civil courts, providing a faster, easier and more cost-effective complaint process. Thus, he urged more victims to come forward and seek justice. He said violence against women is not an isolated issue, but many victims remain silent due to stigma, social pressure or a lack of awareness about available support channels. 'We all have a responsibility to create a safe environment and support victims in standing up for their rights,' he said. Earlier, he commended the Ministry's Kembara Kasih Programme, which covered six districts in Sabah, namely Tuaran, Papar, Penampang, Lahad Datu, Kunak and concluded in Tawau. The programme saw the implementation of 34 initiatives by various agencies under KPWKM, targeting vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Dr Joachim, accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Linda Ewit, also expressed appreciation to the organisers for choosing Sabah as this year's Kembara Kasih destination. During the event, he presented Anti-Sexual Harassment Notices to relevant departments and agencies as a symbolic commitment by the government to prevent such crimes. * 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
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Seven events planned for Sabah Governor's birthday celebration
Joachim (fifth from right) presenting a souvenir to Tun Musa during the visit.-Information Department photo KOTA KINABALU (May 14): Seven events have been organized in conjunction with the 72nd Official Birthday Celebration of the Governor of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, starting from June 14. Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam, who is also the chairman of the Main Celebration Committee, stated that related programs have been arranged to enliven the occasion. 'This year, we only have seven events or seven programs, which we hold annually. 'The first will be a tea party with special-needs children on June 14. 'After that, on June 15, we will hold Sabah Ethnic Day. We believe that Tun, as the Governor, is the umbrella for all the people of Sabah, so this event is to celebrate everyone in Sabah. 'Following that, on June 19, there will be a tahlil (prayer recitation) and thanksgiving ceremony. As usual, on June 21, we will hold the official parade ceremony, the Conferment of Sabah State Awards, Honors and Medals, and the State Banquet in the evening,' he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to Tun Musa at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Wednesday. He added that the Sabah Ethnic Day Celebration, scheduled to take place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), is expected to bring together nearly all ethnic groups in the state, with an estimated attendance of over 1,000 visitors. Also present were Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, Kota Kinabalu City Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah and director of the Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department, Datuk Jumain Abdul Ghani.
Daily Express
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Communities urged to preserve cultural heritage
Published on: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 13, 2025 Text Size: Joachim launching the event. TONGOD: Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam has called on Sabah's diverse ethnic communities to take greater initiative in preserving and promoting their cultural identities as a means to strengthen unity and harmony in the state. Speaking at the Tongod District-level Kaamatan Festival 2025 in Kampung Entilibon on Saturday, Joachim emphasized the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage amid modernization and globalization. 'Every ethnic and sub-ethnic group in the state should take pride in their inherited cultural identities and work harder to showcase their uniqueness,' he said. 'We must preserve the rich traditions of the Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, and Rungus (KDMR) communities, including traditional attire, music, and customs, and ensure they are passed down to future generations.' Joachim, who also serves as the Minister of Local Government and Housing, highlighted the Kaamatan festival as a vital platform for fostering unity among Sabah's multiracial communities and showcasing the state's cultural diversity. He also stressed the role of harmonious interethnic relations in maintaining national stability. 'Collaboration and mutual respect among people of different backgrounds are the foundation of stability, peace, and progress in Sabah,' he said. The Deputy Chief Minister expressed appreciation to Kuamut State Assemblyman Datuk Masiung Banah, Tongod District Officer Yuesri Ismail Yusof, and the organizing committee for their efforts in hosting the three-day celebration, which began on May 7. The festival featured cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions, and the district-level Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant. Joachim also noted the economic benefits of the Kaamatan celebration at the district level and reiterated the government's commitment to statewide development, including in rural districts such as Tongod. 'Give the current government a chance. Over the past five years under Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), the state's revenue has grown, reaching nearly RM7 billion in 2023 and 2024. These funds have been channeled back to the people through various forms of assistance,' he said. He encouraged communities to celebrate Kaamatan at every level — in villages, schools, and organizations — in line with this year's theme, 'Kaamatan for All,' which he described as fitting for Sabah's peaceful and diverse society. Meanwhile, Tongod District Officer Yuesri thanked Joachim for officiating the event and acknowledged the Ministry of Local Government and Housing's support in upgrading the Entilibon hall, which improved the venue for community events. In a separate event, Joachim, accompanied by his Political Secretary and Telupid Assemblyman Datuk Jonneybone Kurum, also officiated the Kaamatan celebration for the Pekan Subdistrict in Kg. Bauto, Telupid. * 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. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Sabah CM urges district council members to be more proactive
KOTA KINABALU: Several key development projects are underway for Tuaran, including the upgrading of infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity supply, alongside efforts to boost tourism and strengthen local entrepreneurship. However, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor noted that without efficient delivery, even large allocations would be meaningless. Hajiji said district council members must go to the ground, understand the people's issues first-hand, and act with integrity, sincerity, and transparency to ensure these initiatives succeed. He said council members must be well-informed of their functions, roles and responsibilities. 'This is essential to ensure government policies and development programmes are implemented efficiently, transparently, and reach the intended beneficiaries,' he said at the swearing-in and appointment ceremony for Tuaran district council members for the 2025–2027 term at Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort on Thursday (May 8). He urged them to adopt a more active and integrity-driven approach in supporting the implementation of the state's development policies. He said council members are not just channels for public feedback, but must also serve as effective agents in realising the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan. Hajiji stressed that the success of the development plan requires commitment from all parties, including local authorities and district councils, not just the state government. 'Council members must work hand in hand with the state to relay information on policies, initiatives and government assistance right down to the grassroots,' he said. He also called on council members to serve as a bridge between the people and the government, ensuring that every policy and programme is well-communicated and accepted by the community. The newly appointed Tuaran council line-up comprises individuals from various backgrounds, including former civil servants, business leaders, youth figures and representatives from non-governmental organisations. 'I am confident that with strong commitment and teamwork, the councillors will be able to carry out their duties for the continued progress and well-being of Tuaran's residents,' he said. Also present at the ceremony were State Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih, Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau and Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
643 roadside traders in Sabah to receive RM5,000 aid
Deputy Chief Minister and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam (centre) poses for a photo with some of the RM5,000 one-off aid recipients in Ranau on Monday (May 8). KOTA KINABALU: A one-off RM5,000 assistance will be channelled to 643 eligible roadside traders across Sabah under the 2025 Sabah state Budget, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam. He said the list of recipients was finalised following a thorough verification process by a special committee comprising the state Local Government and Housing Ministry (KKTP), state Finance Ministry, and all local authorities. 'Ground-level surveys were conducted in every district to gather data on roadside traders. Based on the established criteria, 643 individuals have been identified as eligible for this assistance,' said Dr Gunsalam, who is also the state Local Government and Housing Minister. Of this total, 47 recipients from Ranau received their aid during the state-level kick-off of the UNTUKMU (Upgrading Assistance for the Community and General Public) programme held at Pentas Budaya Kundasang on Thursday (May 8). He said the initiative reflects the state government's concern for small traders, many of whom face challenges such as rising operating costs, limited capital, and unstable business locations. 'Small traders are key drivers of the microeconomy, providing essential services to local communities. I hope this assistance helps them purchase equipment, boost capital, or grow their businesses,' he added. Also present were KKTP Deputy Permanent Secretary II Faridah Giau, Ranau district officer Tinus Manggam, Penampang Municipal Council president Francis Chong, and representatives of elected officials and community leaders.
