Sabah govt opens liaison office in KL

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor signing the PPNS KL plaque during the launching ceremony while PPNS KL director Sabariah Saffree (left) and state secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong looked on in Kuala Lumpur, on Thursday.

KOTA KINABALU: Aiming to assist Sabahans in Peninsular Malaysia as well as smoothening administrative dealings with the Federal Government, Sabah government officially launched their liaison office in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (Feb 23).

Known as PPNS KL (Pejabat Perhubungan Negeri Sabah Kuala Lumpur), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the office at 3 Towers, Jalan Ampang would serve much like ‘an embassy for Sabahans working and residing in Peninsular Malaysia’.

PPNS KL has a staff strength of 34 headed by director Sabariah Saffree, he said in a statement released here.

“PPNS KL, a Sabah state government agency under the Chief Minister’s Department, also acts as the state government intermediary for dealings with the federal government involving administration affairs.

“The administrative landscape of the state government had changed, hence the need for interaction between the governments such as on issues of migration, tourism, investment and diplomatic affairs, which necessitates us to set up the office.

“I also want the Sabah Liaison Office to ensure our investor-friendly approach succeed.

“Therefore, I like to see the Office bolster its role as the bridge between the Sabah and federal governments, as well as with foreign embassies and private companies in the peninsular,” stressed Hajiji.

At the same time, he said PPNS KL will also serve as an information centre with regard to tourism, culture and investments.

Hajiji also revealed plans for Sabah government’s image to undergo a rebranding with the establishment of the Chief Minister’s Official Office on level 23A, Penthouse of the 3 Towers, expected to be completed by this year-end.

He shared that previously during the Covid-19 pandemic, the state government has spent RM357,000 for the distribution of food baskets to Sabahans living in Peninsular Malaysia and another RM239,362 to help families to send their deceased back to Sabah in 2021.

To assist Sabahans in need, Hajiji said the construction of a transit house for Sabahans in Peninsular Malaysia is also expected to be completed in December this year, in line with the second pillar of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) halatuju, namely human capital and people’s prosperity.

“This new initiative when opened, would help lessen the burden in terms of cost for Sabahans dealing with their children’s education or medical needs.

“As a government responsible for the trust entrusted to it, we will continue to fight for the people of Sabah regardless of religion and race,” he stressed.