KOTA KINABALU: Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) chairmen must keep abreast with the issues on the ground in their areas, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
The Sabah Deputy Chief Minister said these leaders were appointed by the government to be its eyes and ears, hence, they should earnestly shoulder the responsibility given to them.
“This must be their initiative where they have to know (issues on the ground).
“Don’t only wait for people to come to your houses (but) you must turun padang (go down to the ground).
“If possible, they (JPKK chairmen) should know the population in their villages, for instance from the number of young people to the elderly, how many villagers are over the age of 80, how many single mothers or those on sickbeds who need help and so on,” the Kinabatangan MP said.
Bung Moktar said the government will not necessarily know all these details, thus, this is where the JPKK chairmen’s role was vital.
“They need to act on behalf of the government so the villagers can report their issues to them,” he said.
He added problems faced by the people could be resolved effectively if the JPKK institution operated with the right method.
Bung Moktar was speaking after an engagement with JPKK chairmen in the Lamag state constituency, of which he is the assemblyman, in Bukit Garam, Kinabatangan recently.
Also present were Lamag Community Development Leader Abu Bakar Gapar and Kinabatangan parliamentary chief liaison officer Amri Andimas.
Meanwhile, Bung Moktar also urged the people to know and understand the appropriate avenues to channel their grouses so that their predicaments could be addressed as soon as possible.
This is instead of resorting to the shortcuts of making viral issues or problems in their villages through social media, he added.
“We must have ways and methods to do our work. (But) JPKK chairmen who come across problems must communicate with the elected representative in their areas so they can follow up the issues of the people to the next level,” he said.
