Use rural funds to uplift women and families, not just fix pipes - Jannie
KOTA KINABALU (July 7): Kapayan assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang has urged the Sabah Government to ensure that the additional rural development funds under the supplementary budget bring about long-term, meaningful change for women and families, rather than being limited to short-term infrastructure fixes.
Debating the supplementary budget — which includes over RM175 million allocated for improving water supply and pipe systems across the state — Jannie welcomed the move but emphasised the need for deeper commitments to strengthen resilience in rural communities, particularly through empowering women.
'This is a much-needed step that shows the government is listening to people's frustrations over unreliable water supply and poor quality. But solving pipe leaks alone won't lift people out of poverty. We need to help families, especially women, stand on their own feet,' she said.
She noted that while RM68 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Rural Development, the funds should not be restricted to physical infrastructure projects.
'I believe we need to look beyond just giving aid. We must build people's capacity to uplift themselves. That starts with women,' she added.
Jannie proposed that part of the rural development allocation be channelled into targeted programmes for women's economic empowerment, stressing that thriving women lead to stronger families and communities.
'I urge the government to establish a Special Women's Microfinancing Scheme in Sabah, so women in villages and small towns can start businesses and generate income,' she said.
She also called for direct, streamlined assistance for vulnerable women — including widows, single mothers, and abandoned wives — to help them support their children's education and daily needs without having to navigate 'burdensome bureaucracy.'
Jannie further pushed for:
Fair recognition of Indigenous women's rights under native customary land (NCR) programmes, stronger legal protection against domestic violence, sexual harassment, and child marriage — including within Sabah's customary legal system and stable annual funding for women's NGOs, particularly those serving remote communities.
In her continued advocacy for gender parity in leadership, she repeated her call for at least 30% of community leadership positions such as village chiefs, native chiefs, JKKK heads, and local councillors, to be filled by women.
'If we want our policies and development plans to truly reflect the needs of all Sabahans, we must invest in women leaders from every background. Let women's voices be part of every decision,' she urged.
She also welcomed the additional allocation for care centres for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, but called for improved training for caregivers to ensure that care services remain humane, inclusive, and gender-sensitive.
'I fully support this additional budget, but it must be spent transparently and efficiently, with the community involved in monitoring every ringgit. If we do it right, this will not just fix pipes and drains — it will lift families and bring dignity and security to women across Sabah,' Jannie stressed.
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Use rural funds to uplift women and families, not just fix pipes - Jannie
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