Latest news with #Sandakan-level
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.
Daily Express
17-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Kaamatan promotes unity, not drunkenness — James Ratib
Published on: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 17, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: The Kaamatan Festival is a cultural celebration that honours ancestral heritage, not a drinking fest as claimed by some, said Sugut Assemblyman and KDCA Vice President Datuk James Ratib. Speaking at the Sandakan-level Kaamatan celebration today, he stressed the festival's role in promoting tradition, unity, and youth awareness of heritage. Advertisement He called on youth to stay rooted in tradition and urged greater participation from government-linked companies in supporting Kaamatan events across Sabah. Separately, James announced the Sandakan Duchess of Kent Hospital will receive six new dialysis machines, part of 100 units donated to state hospitals. He also revealed RM400 million has been allocated under the 13th Malaysia Plan to upgrade HDOK, with RM400,000 already disbursed for initial works. He urged the federal government not to freeze rural doctors' regional allowances, warning it could deter doctors from serving outside urban areas. Advertisement On politics, James said harmony is key in the PH-BN coalition ahead of the next state election and stressed the need for any winning party to prioritize development for Sabah. * 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
