Latest news with #CommunityDevelopmentandPeople'sWellbeing
Daily Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Celebrating unity in diversity during Unity Week
Published on: Thursday, July 03, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 03, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: James (right) giving a spoonful of hinava to Walter. SANDAKAN: The Ministry of National Unity continues to strengthen national harmony through the 2025 Unity Week celebration, featuring nationwide activities themed Unity in Diversity, including in Sabah. State Minister of Community Development and People's Wellbeing Datuk James Ratib, said such programmes help nurture a sense of belonging and solidarity among Malaysia's multiethnic communities. 'The Ministry has introduced the Malaysian Madani Unity Framework based on the concept of unity in diversity. Flagship initiatives like the Malaysian Madani Unity Roadshow are key to realising national unity,' he said. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Unity Week 2025 state level celebration held at Padang Bandaran on Sunday. This year's celebration featured cultural booths showcasing traditional ethnic houses such as the Malay, Chinese, Indian, Suluk, Dusun Labuk, Bugis, Brunei, Bajau and Sungai communities, reflecting Sabah's rich cultural tapestry. 'This initiative not only promotes the spirit of unity but also broadens public understanding and appreciation of Sabah's diverse customs and traditions,' he said. The programme was structured around three key clusters featuring Nationhood, Unity Spirit and Komuniti Rahmah, with activities encompassing culture, education, recreation, health, economy and environmental sustainability. 'Unity is a long journey that requires sacrifice. The quest for unity is a journey, not a destination,' James said. 'We must remain committed and strengthen our collective efforts to ensure that Sabah remains a state firmly rooted in unity, not only for today's generation but for our children and grandchildren.' The event was organised by the Sabah Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) with support from government agencies and local communities. Highlights included the serving of Hinava Perpaduan in a 50 metre bamboo trough and a traditional costume parade representing various ethnic groups. Also present were Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS) President Walter Kenson, elected representatives, government agency officials and over 5,000 attendees. * 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
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Kota Marudu Hospital equipped with CT scanner
James gives his thumbs up to the MDCT machine at the Kota Marudu Hospital. KOTA MARUDU (June 30): The Kota Marudu Hospital is now equipped with a Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) scanner, enhancing diagnostic capabilities at its radiology unit. Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the new equipment will benefit the combined population of Kota Marudu, Pitas and Kudat, totalling 192,598 residents. 'Previously, around 1,500 to 1,800 patients annually had to be referred to specialist hospitals in Kota Kinabalu for CT scans. Now, this essential service is available locally, reducing travel time and cost while enabling quicker diagnosis and treatment,' he said. James described the MDCT scanner as a significant addition to the hospital's capacity to deliver quality medical care. 'Based on the annual workload, this number is expected to grow. Having the MDCT scanner will not only accelerate diagnoses but also improve accuracy, allowing patients to receive more timely and precise treatment,' he added. He also officiated the launch of the newly completed Radiology Department building at the hospital. The upgraded facility offers a more modern environment, benefiting both healthcare personnel and patients. 'Such infrastructure improvements reflect the government's commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all, regardless of geography or background,' James said. He highlighted the investment in advanced medical technology like the MDCT scanner as a step towards a more sustainable and responsive healthcare system. In line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Health Assistance Scheme – Sabah Sejahtera, he also announced that 100 haemodialysis machines have been contributed by the Sabah State Government to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) for distribution across the state. During the event, James handed over eight haemodialysis machines to cluster hospitals in the northern region: Kota Marudu Hospital (two units), Kudat Hospital (four units) and Pitas Hospital (two units). 'This contribution not only expands the treatment capacity of our healthcare facilities but also brings renewed hope to kidney patients who require regular haemodialysis. We hope it will help shorten the waiting list and provide more efficient and comfortable treatment,' he said. James stressed that the initiative forms part of broader efforts under the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan to enhance the wellbeing of Sabahans through improved healthcare services. 'We understand that haemodialysis treatment is costly and can be a heavy financial burden, especially for rural families. With this contribution, we aim to ease that burden and improve patients' quality of life,' he said.
Daily Express
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Minister urges exemption of rural doctor allowance freeze in Sabah, Sarawak
Published on: Wednesday, June 11, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 11, 2025 By: Nora Ahmad Text Size: James visits one of the booths at the colloquium . KOTA KINABALU: Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib has proposed that rural doctor allowances in Sabah and Sarawak be exempted from the current federal freeze. He said the proposal would be brought up with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad during a scheduled meeting on Thursday. Advertisement James warned that the freeze could discourage contract doctors from renewing their service in remote areas, worsening the rural doctor shortage in Sabah. Speaking at the 17th Public Health Colloquium on Wednesday, he also highlighted ongoing basic facility issues in rural Sabah, including poor internet access, water supply, and electricity. He further urged the Health Ministry to strengthen regulations on e-cigarettes, noting concerns over the use of banned substances in some products. * 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
New Straits Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Instead of banning vape, Sabah proposes tighter regulations
KOTA KINABALU: Instead of banning vapes, Sabah will look into tightening the regulation of electronic cigarettes. Datuk James Ratib said as Sabah health executive councillor, he could only make recommendations to the Health Ministry to improve regulations on vape-related matters. "I will recommend improvements in advisory measures to prevent indiscriminate vaping, a study to control (the manufacturing of vape products) and to determine whether they are laced with drugs. "If the vape liquid contains drugs, the responsible individuals should be arrested," said the state Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister after launching the 17th Public Health Colloquium at a hotel here. Present was Sabah Health director Dr Maria Suleiman. On banning the sale of vapes, James said the jurisdiction lied with the Local Government and Housing Ministry. Perlis, Terengganu, Kelantan, Johor and Kedah have banned the sale of vape products. According to Universiti Sains Malaysia, the National Poison Centre recorded 76 poisoning cases linked to vape products suspected of containing dangerous synthetic drugs between 2020 and 2024. A senior economics expert from Universiti Putra Malaysia said the economic returns from the vape industry were relatively small and short term, as the government has estimated that treating a single case of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury would cost about RM150,000. Since last October, the Health Ministry has enforced the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which includes provisions for e-cigarettes. James said he would meet Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad during his visit to Sabah tomorrow. Issues he plans to raise with the Health Ministry are the procurement of Sabah's first Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan machine, the provision of allowances for health personnel in rural areas and the need to expedite the establishment of the Sabah Heart Centre. Dr Maria said Sabah had about 4,000 doctors across the state. She said out of 130 dilapidated wooden health clinics, 97 had been upgraded to date.
The Star
26-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Mobile community services bring much-needed government aid to Paitan, Sabah
James Ratib (right) speaking with government agency representatives at the MCS booth in Paitan. Norali (left) looks on. SANDAKAN: A rural outreach programme led by the Sabah Federal Treasury has proven to be a lifeline for remote communities in Paitan, one of the state's most remote and rural areas. Community Development and People's Wellbeing Minister Datuk James Ratib said the Mobile Community Services (MCS) programme allowed direct access to federal and state government services in places previously beyond reach. 'Many residents here still struggle to access basic public services. This programme helps bridge that gap,' he said after launching the programme at the Paitan district office on Sunday (May 25). Located in the northeastern part of Sabah, Paitan has an estimated population of around 29,100 residents. It was officially upgraded to a full district on August 1, 2024, becoming Sabah's 29th and youngest district, a move aimed at improving administrative efficiency and bringing government services closer to its remote communities. However, the district still lacks many basic government facilities, such as a dental clinic and other permanent public service offices. The MCS programme featured service counters by 36 federal and state agencies, including the Health Ministry and the Agriculture Department. 'These kinds of programmes must be held more frequently in my area. This is a vast and isolated part of Sabah. Programmes like MCS deliver services swiftly and directly to the people,' he said. James also noted the significance of MCS in identifying gaps in permanent agency presence in the district. 'Now that Paitan is a full district, this is a good start. I was pleased to hear that a District Education Officer will soon be stationed here permanently. I hope other departments will follow suit, so that agencies no longer operate here on a temporary basis,' he said. Paitan district officer Joe Joloning Majambu echoed this sentiment, describing the MCS event as 'historic' for the district. 'This is the first time MCS is being held in Paitan and it has clearly benefited not just local residents but also those coming from outlying areas and islands. I am truly grateful to the Sabah Federal Treasury, especially Tuan Awang Norali, for their commitment in bringing this programme to us,' he said. Federal Financial Officer Norali @ Ag Norali Ag Damit said the programme was among the key rural-focused initiatives funded under Budget 2025. 'Altogether, we will be reaching 12 locations in Sabah this year. The main goal is to serve interior communities facing accessibility issues in obtaining government services,' he said. Norali said the next MCS events will be held in Kota Marudu – at Kampung Gana on June 18 and Magandai on June 21 – followed by a programme at Pulau Jambongan in Paitan on June 29.
