Latest news with #VillageDevelopmentandSecurityCommittees
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bung Moktar calls for more inclusive implementation of People's Income Initiative
Bung during his recent visit to Tawau Market. KOTA KINABALU (June 6): Kinabatangan Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin has raised concerns over the implementation of the People's Income Initiative (IPR), saying it remains inadequate in addressing the pressing needs of rural communities in Sabah. He pointed out that although the IPR is a key policy under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and was well-intended, its on-ground execution in the state's interior has yet to reach the level needed to make meaningful impact. 'Sabah's hardcore poverty rate stands at 1.2 per cent, six times higher than the national average of 0.2 per cent. This is not just a statistic, but a stark indicator of the developmental gap that persists,' he said in a statement today, after visiting Tawau Market recently. Bung stressed that many Sabahans, particularly single mothers, the elderly and youth in rural areas, continue to live in hardship due to limited access to opportunities and targeted assistance. He urged the Ministry of Economy to restructure the delivery of the IPR so that it becomes more inclusive and better aligned with the unique realities faced by Sabah's rural population. He also proposed that in-person outreach initiatives be prioritised, involving physical engagements at community halls, schools, places of worship and other grassroots centres, in close collaboration with village heads, the Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) and local NGOs. 'The government must go to the people, not the other way round,' he said. Bung added that federal policies like the IPR must be tailored to reflect the actual context of communities on the ground, taking into account geographical challenges, cultural differences and economic limitations specific to Sabah. 'It is time the government stops viewing Sabah merely as the poorest state, and instead begins recognising it as a strategic development partner capable of making a significant contribution to the nation's future,' he said. 'I believe that with a strengthened and well-targeted implementation of the IPR, Sabah can break free from the cycle of poverty and move towards a more prosperous future,' he added.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
People's Income Initiative: Face-to-face approach effective to engage Sabah rural communities
TAWAU: The implementation of People's Income Initiative (IPR) should be more inclusive and targeted, especially in rural Sabah, said Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin. He said the initiative under 13th Malaysia Plan, despite being well-conceived, would likely fail in reaching those most in need. The IPR, proposed under the revised 2023 Budget with a RM500 million allocation, is a collaboration between the government and several strategic partners to increase the income of people living in hardcore poverty, and those in the B40 income group. The initiative comprises three modules: the Agro Entrepreneur Initiative (Intan), the Food Entrepreneur Initiative (Insan) and the Services Operator Initiative (Ikhsan). The former deputy chief minister said Sabah's hardcore poverty rate stands at 1.2 per cent, which is six times higher than the national average of 0.2 per cent. "This is more than just a statistic, it is tangible evidence of a persistent development gap. "In reality, many Sabahans, especially single mothers, the elderly and rural youth continue to live in deprivation not due to a lack of effort but because of limited access to opportunities and assistance," he said in a statement. To address it, Bung Moktar urged the Economy Ministry to restructure the IPR's rollout in Sabah, prioritising outreach-based strategies. He added a face-to-face or outreach programme approach must become a central strategy, involving direct engagement at community halls, schools, houses of worship and community centres, in close cooperation with village heads, Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), and non-governmental organisations. "Sabah holds tremendous potential if policies are executed equitably and in a targeted manner. "I believe that with an empowered implementation of IPR, Sabah can break free from the cycle of poverty and move towards a more prosperous future," he added.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Health, fitness key criteria in appointment of new village chiefs in Perak
IPOH: Health and physical fitness will be key considerations in the appointment of new village chiefs across Perak, beginning June 1. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said candidates for leadership roles within the Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK) must be capable of effectively serving their communities over the next two years. He said a comprehensive evaluation process is currently being conducted by State Rural Development, Plantation, Agriculture and Food Industry Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun and his team, to assess the performance of all current JPKK chairmen. "Today is May 20, and I want to make it clear that the terms of all 829 village chiefs will end simultaneously on May 31. "A new cycle of appointments begins on June 1, and this time, we are applying stricter selection criteria. "One of the key components of the evaluation is a performance scoring system, in which each candidate must meet a minimum benchmark to qualify for reappointment. "Age, health, and physical fitness will also be considered informally, although no official medical examination is required," he said. Saarani was speaking at the Perak 2024 Prosperous Village Award and Sejati Madani Award ceremony at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan, here, today. Addressing the leadership transition, Saarani called on outgoing village chiefs to act with integrity, particularly concerning land use and financial management. "If, during your term, you generously offered your land for government use, such as for a hall or community facility, please do not withdraw that offer simply because you are no longer in office. "We have encountered cases where former chiefs demanded the removal of buildings from land they had previously offered. Think of the long-term benefits, and the blessings that come from serving your community," he said. Saarani also issued a stern reminder regarding the proper handling of JPKK funds. "Some chiefs have kept committee funds in personal accounts. That money does not belong to you, it belongs to the JPKK. It must be properly handed over to your successor. "Even if you are not reappointed, do not be discouraged. Continue to serve your community by sharing ideas and guiding your successor. This is not about positions, it is about building our state together," he added. For the Perak 2024 Prosperous Village Award, Kampung Telaga Nenas (Manjung) was named the winner, taking home RM10,000, while Kampung Sungai Protan (Kerian) and Kampung Ulu Kuang (Kinta) secured second and third place, winning RM8,000 and RM6,000 respectively. In the Sejati Madani Award category, Kampung Jaya Setia (Kuala Kangsar) took top honours with a prize of RM100,000, while Kampung Sempeneh (Larut Matang Selama) and Kampung Telaga Nenas (Manjung) claimed second and third place, receiving RM70,000 and RM50,000 respectively.
Borneo Post
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Unite for local development, Temenggong Lau urges Bawang Assan residents
Kevin (left) joins the community in a tug-of-war game. SIBU (May 2): Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau Lee Ming has called on all residents of Bawang Assan to work closely with community leaders to ensure the continuous development of their respective areas. He made this call during the Family Telematch and Mini Water Fiesta, held at SJK(C) Kwong Hua in Sungai Sadit, Jalan Sungai Maaw here on Thursday. Lau emphasised that only through unity and cooperation can meaningful progress be achieved. 'If we take part in 'gotong-royong' for example, it's not only a productive initiative but also strengthens the spirit of togetherness. 'Every development effort needs the involvement of all,' he said, urging residents not to place full responsibility on community leaders alone. 'I know that many councillors, Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKs) members, and community leaders are already working hard to address livelihood concerns, especially during the flood season. 'Thus, I hope that the community can come and work together because the success of every activity needs the cooperation from everyone,' he emphasised. He also thanked Ching Ang Methodist Church and JKKK Sungai Sadit Kanan for organising the Labour's Day celebration, describing it as an opportunity to foster interaction, friendship, and unity within the community. Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan chairman Councilor Kevin Lau, who was also present at the event, also expressed his gratitude for the strong community turnout and support. He added that community leaders would continue to serve with dedication and organise more meaningful events to benefit the people. bawang assan Kevin Lau Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau unity
Borneo Post
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Katibas rep calls for unified association to drive development, strengthen community voice in Sg Rassau, Btg Igan
(From left) Lau, Gerald, Lidam, and Romeo in a picture, taken at the Randau Pemansang Programme at Rumah Salim Unang, Sungai Rassau. SIBU (April 27): Residents in the Sungai Rassau and Batang Igan area have been encouraged to form a unified association to effectively channel development-related matters to the Sarawak government. In stating this, Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan said the proposed association would serve a broader purpose than the current Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) which typically represented individual longhouses. Instead, he said this association would represent all longhouses in the Rassau area collectively, allowing for more coordinated planning and communication. 'The Rassau area holds significant potential for agricultural development, particularly for rice cultivation or shrimp farming. 'All these plans, however, require the residents of Rassau to unite under the banner of Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), to support the area's transformation,' he said in his speech during the 'Randau Pemansang' programme here on Friday. Organised by the JKKK of Rumah Salim Unang, Sungai Rassau, Batang Igan Tengah, the event was graced by Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu. Also present at the event was a political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak and Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Bawang Assan branch chief Romeo Christopher Tegong and Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan branch chairman Councillor Kevin Lau. Lau highlighted the significance of the programme in disseminating accurate and timely information to the community, while also serving as a platform to reinforce unity across the diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. Batang Igan lead Lidam Assan Sungai Rassau unified association
