Federal-Sabah Cooperation Strengthens Rural Development, People's Welfare - Mustapha

KOTA KINABALU,  May 16 (Bernama) -- Close cooperation between the federal government and the Sabah state government has enabled various development programmes and welfare assistance to be channelled more comprehensively, particularly to communities in the rural and interior areas.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the government remains committed to safeguarding the people’s welfare through various initiatives under the Malaysia MADANI framework, which emphasises inclusive, balanced and sustainable development.

“In addressing the rising cost of living, the government has introduced various forms of assistance, including the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), fuel subsidies and subsidies for essential goods to help ease the people’s burden.

“These efforts reflect the government’s continued commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the national development agenda,” he said when speaking at the Kenduri Rakyat MADANI programme in Kampung Talungan, Telipok, here today.

Commenting on the programme, Mustapha said it was more than just a community outreach event, describing it as a strategic platform to ensure government policies are communicated more accurately and effectively to the grassroots.

“In today’s era of digitalisation and information overload, people need access to authentic and reliable sources of information to avoid confusion and the spread of fake news. Programmes such as this play an important role in strengthening communication between the government and the people.

“Through the mini government service carnival held in conjunction with the event, the people can access various services directly without having to visit government offices, thereby saving both time and cost,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mustapha said the Santuni Rakyat Programme, held simultaneously with the event, formed part of a community initiative driven by the Performance Acceleration Coordination Unit (PACU) through the Jelajah MADANI approach.

He said the approach emphasises two-way engagement between the government and the people in a more relaxed and friendly setting, in line with current expectations for the government to be more responsive and closely attuned to the people’s needs.

“In today’s context, where the people are facing cost-of-living pressures and global economic uncertainties, programmes like this are highly relevant as they provide a platform for the people to voice their views and interact directly with government agencies,” he said.

-- BERNAMA