Jelajah Aku Kasih Malaysia Provides Platform To Hear People’s Grievances

KOTA MARUDU, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The Jelajah Aku Kasih Malaysia @ Sabah programme serves as a platform for the government to hear first-hand the voices and grievances of the people at the grassroots level, especially regarding development issues and challenges faced by the local community.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the programme also featured dialogue sessions with grassroots leaders and the public to discuss issues affecting the respective districts.

He said among the main concerns raised was the critical flooding problem in Kota Marudu, as well as proposals for flood mitigation projects that had been submitted to the Ministry of Economy and other relevant ministries.

“So, I believe that through such programmes, we can hear directly the concerns of flood victims and we will strive to ensure these issues are addressed promptly, with priority given to flood mitigation projects.

“We have also brought together services from various Federal and state government agencies to provide the public with essential information regarding the initiatives and incentives offered by the government,” he told the media after officiating at the programme here today.

In a related development, Mustapha said the government is formulating efforts to elevate the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) as a national narrative to ensure that understanding of the agreement is not confined to solely to the people of Sabah and Sarawak.

As such, he said a programme known as the MADANI Kenali Borneo Carnival would be organised in Peninsular Malaysia, with Melaka selected as the first host location.

“We want the people in the Peninsula to understand what MA63 is really about and why we are fighting for the rights of Sabah and Sarawak, which are fundamental to the formation of this country.

“Among the activities planned are efforts to showcase Sabah’s culture, the stories of communities in Sabah and Sarawak, and highlight how we live here. Despite our diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, we respect one another and live together in harmony,” he said.

He expressed hope that all the activities and programmes lined up would benefit the community and leave a positive impact on those attending.

The programme also featured 21 exhibition booths set up by Federal and state government agencies, offering various services directly to the public. About 600 participants, comprising civil servants, community members and youths from around Kota Marudu, attended the programme.

Activities organised included traditional sports, colouring competition, lucky draws, interactive nationhood activities and pocket talks by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Community Development Leaders Unit (UPPM) and the Sabah Maju Jaya Secretariat (SSMJ).

-- BERNAMA