New Ministry approach to get feedback at festive gatherings
Published on: Tuesday, August 13, 2019
By: Bernama
KOTA BELUD: The Sabah Ministry of Rural Development has introduced a new approach to religious and cultural celebrations with residents of Mini Estate (Mesej) and Kampung Sejahtera programmes in the State.
Its Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the new approach is a community programme aimed at looking at the progress of the people and listening to the aspirations of Mesej and Kampung Sejahtera residents.
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He said it would also give the Ministry an opportunity to hear the villagers’ plights and requests.
“We have started with the breaking of fast ceremony during the Ramadan month at Mesej Bunang Keningau and Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration at Kampung Sejahtera Song-Song Usukan, here.
“We will continue this in other Mesej and Kampung Sejahtera programmes, which is one of the Ministry’s two main programmes.
“For the coming Christmas and Kaamatan celebrations, we will choose another village either under Kampung Sejahtera or Mesej,” he said after a Majlis Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat programme, in conjunction with Aidiladha, at Kampung Sejahtera Song-Song, here, Monday.
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Benedick, who is also Kadamaian Assemblyman, said to date the Ministry has 53 villages under Mesej and 55 villages under Kampung Sejahtera throughout the State.
In conjunction with Aidiladha at Kampung Song-Song, the Ministry through its Recreation Club donated two cattle via the Kota Belud District Office for distribution to the asnaf (hardcore poor) and residents in the village.
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On water supply issues in Kg Song-Song, Benedick said the Ministry will invite the Mineral and Geoscience Department to see if there is any ground water sources that can be used in the village.
“If there is ground water, the Ministry will provide an allocation to finance the construction of the canal,” he said.
Earlier in his speech, Benedick said the development needs of Kampung Sejahtera are among matters discussed with federal Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina Harun.
“My meeting with the Minister last month was also attended by senior officials from both ministries to discuss many issues, including development needs in villages under the Kampung Sejahtera programme.
“The Ministry at State level is currently preparing the detailed documentation to be submitted to the Minister and I am very confident in line with her commitment and agreement at the meeting, the Ministry at federal level is ready to channel provisions related to the Kampung Sejahtera programme,” he said.
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