THE Chief Minister’s wife who is also Yang Dipertua Pertubuhan Muafakat Titipan Amal Isteri Wakil Rakyat, Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Barisan Nasional (Mutiara GRS-BN), Datin Seri Juliah Salag, said there is a need for the ‘Kembara Waja Squad’ programme to be expanded to all rural areas in Sabah to help empower the local community with legal knowledge and raise awareness on criminal issues.
She said such knowledge would help the community in the area, especially women if faced with any related problems.
“I was also informed that the Waja Squad also has a role to provide guidance to the community on the importance of curbing any form of violence against women which include helping victims refer their cases to the authorities and seek professional help.
“I see that the role played by the Waja Squad is very good, especially in helping women in the State. This is because, in the present era, women, whether housewives or those in careers, need to know their rights and what to do if faced with any problems.
“I also hope that the Waja Squad will continue to play their role to help women in the State not only in the legal aspect but also in welfare.
“Hopefully, such programmes will continue to be expanded to rural areas in the State, so that more women can benefit from it,” she said in conjunction with the opening ceremony of the Psychosocial Programme: Waja Squad Adventure (Series 1) Zone Two in Kampung Serusup, Tuaran, Apr 24.
In conjunction with the event, a total of 1,000 bowls of bubur lumbuk were distributed to the local community.
Juliah also hopes that more women will register and become members of the Women’s Development Department (JPW) Waja Squad.
“With this, they can be the eyes and ears in the community as well as provide awareness on the importance of understanding the legal aspects and reporting cases of domestic violence and related criminal issues,” she said.
