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Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Kundasang customary book to preserve cultural heritage
Dr Joachim (seated centre) with the customary practitioners present at the ceremony. RANAU (July 12): Deputy Chief Minister II and Kundasang Assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam officiated the launch of the Buku Adat Mukim Kundasang/Pinausok at a ceremony attended by 150 traditional customary practitioners at Puncak Café on Thursday. In his speech, Dr Joachim congratulated the customary chiefs who successfully compiled the traditional customs and practices of the Kundasang community into a book, calling it an important reference for current and future generations. 'In the Kundasang constituency, most sub-districts (mukim) now have their own customary books. This is a significant achievement in our efforts to preserve and document our cultural heritage,' he said. He also expressed appreciation to the village chiefs who were directly involved in documenting the customs practised in their respective villages. According to him, the customary book serves not only as a reference but also as a guide for all villages in dealing with customary matters, including the giving of sogit (customary compensation) and mediation processes, helping to prevent future confusion. On the Native Court, Dr Joachim shared that there is a proposal to abolish the Native Court Enactment 1992 and replace it with a new enactment. However, he said, tabling the new law in the State Legislative Assembly may not happen this year as several aspects still require scrutiny by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing. Dr Joachim also stated that all positions related to customary affairs — from district chiefs to village chiefs — will be retained if the current State Government continues to receive the people's mandate in the coming state election. However, he noted that a change in government could result in a restructuring or termination of these positions. 'For me, we respect the decision of the people. I just want to emphasise that the Sabah Maju Jaya Direction is the best so far,' he said. Also present at the event were district chiefs OKK Dominic Ghanie and OKK Muhasip Haji Roman, native chiefs, representatives of native chiefs for the Paginatan and Karanaan constituencies, village chiefs and members of the Stall Operators Association, members of the Kundasang Highland Vegetable Growers Association.
Daily Express
12-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Membakut mart contractor's ability queried
Published on: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 12, 2025 By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: The market remains fenced with zinc panels. MEMBAKUT: The Ministry of Local Government and Housing is urged to look into issues involving the appointed contractor responsible for the delayed upgrading of the Membakut Public Market. President of Rumpun Etnik Sabah (Presbah), Yahya Ahmad, said he was made to understand that the contractor was appointed by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, and not under the Beaufort District Council (MDB), which only serves as a supervising authority. 'This is not merely a procurement issue — it's a matter of integrity and competency. Just because this contractor has secured multiple projects in Sabah doesn't mean their shortcomings should be overlooked,' he told Daily Express. He said delays were also affecting the Beaufort food court upgrading project, adding that the same contractor had been tasked with upgrading markets and stalls in Weston, Beaufort, and Membakut. 'The question here is whether the contractor has the capacity and the efficiency required for these projects. I've received numerous complaints from local councillors and others expressing their frustration,' he said. He questioned how long the Membakut market works would continue to stall, pointing out that no significant progress had been seen, and workers who were once present had disappeared for months. 'The quality of work is extremely disappointing. Anyone can see that close to RM1 million was allocated for roofing and existing floor upgrades, yet there is little to show for it,' he said. He also claimed that undocumented foreign workers were being employed, which caused disruptions whenever enforcement agencies such as the Immigration Department or the police conducted checks. The upgrading project involves the fish market — currently abandoned — the vegetable market, and two food courts still waiting their turn. 'This is a central town area and a public hotspot, especially on market days. Yet it's been left fenced off with zinc sheets for months, making the town look even more rundown,' he said. 'If the fish market alone is already stuck, how are they going to manage the vegetable market and the two food courts later? Everything will likely end up fenced and forgotten while waiting for completion,' he added. Yahya also raised concerns over the livelihoods of affected traders. 'If the projects continue to be delayed, where will the food vendors relocate to? If they're unable to do business, what other source of income do they have?' he asked. He also called on the Beaufort District Council not to take the matter lightly and to ensure stricter monitoring of contractors, prioritising public interest and the welfare of traders. * 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
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
DCM urges councillors to adopt ‘go the extra mile' principle
Published on: Friday, May 16, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 16, 2025 By: Azmie Lim Text Size: Dr Joachim with the Lahad Datu District Councillors. LAHAD DATU: Members of the District Council must adopt the 'go the extra mile' attitude to achieve success and excellence while delivering the local government services. Deputy Chief Minister of Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said such attitude would enable the members to do more than what is expected which would differentiate them from those who merely perform their duties – this would make an impact on the people. Advertisement 'Going the extra mile means we are willing to give more than what we are being asked to put in. This is the key to real success. 'We could not operate solely within the usual path, we must be brave to act further,' he said when officiating the handover of appointment letters and swearing-in of Lahad Datu District Councillors for 2025-2027, Thursday. 'The councillors must not only fulfil their basic responsibilities but also go to the ground, listen to the people, resolve local issues and continuously seek improvement in their services with integrity, trust, teamwork and accountability. 'I believe with efforts and commitments, teamwork and trustworthiness, the District Council will achieve greater excellence and earn the people's respect,' he said. Dr Joachim also called on the newly appointed District Council Members to remain united and work together in achieving the common goal. He said everyone must row together in the same direction. 'View every challenge as a learning opportunity and do not be afraid of making decisions in the interest of the people. 'We must be brave to move forward. Mistakes are not obstacles but guidance. Our duty is to ensure people always receive the best services,' he added. Also present were Datuk Dr Jamili Nais, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, Lahad Datu District Officer and Lahad Datu District Council Chairman, Firuz Idzualdeen Mohd Dzul and Lahad Datu District Council Executive Officer, Jackley Gielbert @ Lontou. * 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
Daily Express
10-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
643 roadside traders entitled to aid: Jeffrey
Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025 By: Clarence Dol Text Size: Dr Joachim (middle) poses for a photo with the roadside small traders who received aid for Ranau district. Kundasang: A total of 643 small roadside stall traders throughout Sabah have been identified as eligible to receive one-off assistance amounting to RM5,000 as announced in the tabling of the Sabah State Budget 2025. Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam who announced this said that the list of aid recipients was finalised after a comprehensive verification process carried out by a special committee involving the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), the State Ministry of Finance and all Local Authorities (PBT). 'A field trip programme was carried out to obtain data on small roadside stall traders in all districts. 'After research was carried out based on the established mechanism, a total of 643 traders have been identified as eligible to receive this assistance,' he said. He was speaking when officiating the Kick-Off Ceremony for the Handover of Upgrading Efforts for the Community and the General Public (UNTUKMU) at the Sabah state level at the Kundasang Cultural Stage, here Thursday. Dr Joachim, who is also the Minister of Local Government and Housing, said that of the total, 47 recipients from the Ranau district received the assistance in the form of a one-off cash contribution worth RM5,000 each. He said that the initiative is a sign of the State Government's concern for the plight of small traders who are facing challenges such as increased operating costs, lack of capital and unstable business locations. He also considered small traders as micro-economic drivers who play an important role in providing services to the local community. 'Hopefully this assistance can be put to good use, whether to purchase equipment, as additional capital, or to further expand existing businesses,' he said. The ceremony on Thursday also saw the handover of mock cheques to the PBTs involved before the phased distribution of assistance to other districts is implemented. Also present were Deputy Permanent Secretary II of the KKTP, Faridah Giau; Ranau District Officer, Tinus Manggam; President of the Penampang Municipal Council, Francis Chong; representative of the Ranau Member of Parliament, Hussen Haji Jirat; representative of the Karanaan Assemblyman, Datuk Faimin Kamin; representative of the Paginatan Assemblyman, Hishamuddin Harun; Ranau Deputy Police Chief, ASP Edianshah Endal; KKTP officers and Community Leaders. * 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
Daily Express
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Deputy Chief Minister urges fast resolution of public complaints
Published on: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 29, 2025 Text Size: Dr Joachim being greeted at the event. Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam wants agencies and local authorities (PBTs) under the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to fast-track public complaint resolutions as frontline service providers. 'Issues that can be resolved immediately should not wait for further instructions to ensure public welfare remains the top priority,' he said at the Ministry's Hari Raya Aidilfitri cum Kaamatan celebration at Wisma Innoprise, here, Monday. 'I remind everyone to provide the best possible service to our stakeholders. Ensure all complaints and problems within our scope, role and responsibilities are resolved as effectively as possible,' he said. He noted that the recent State Assembly sitting served as an important platform for checks and balances on the performance of ministries, agencies and PBTs, while also providing crucial feedback on ground-level issues. He also extended his appreciation to the Ministry's staff, agencies and PBTs for their commitment and dedication in serving the public, but reminded them that their work is constantly being evaluated by the people. 'Our success does not depend on any single individual, but rather on the cooperation and efforts of all parties involved,' he said, adding that every action and decision must reflect high integrity, sincerity and professionalism. The event saw over 500 staff, agency representatives and local authority officers celebrating the joint festivities in a convivial atmosphere. * 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
