Joachim calls for stronger infrastructure delivery to benefit people

KOTA KINABALU (Dec 10): Newly appointed Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam has called for more robust and efficient infrastructure development across Sabah, underscoring that the ministry’s ultimate priority is to enhance the wellbeing of the people.

Joachim, who also serves as Deputy Chief Minister I, delivered the message during his first comprehensive briefing at the ministry on Tuesday.

The session came just days after he officially began his duties at the Works and Utilities Ministry (KKRU) headquarters on Dec 3. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by his two assistant ministers, Datuk Limus Jury and Datuk Sri Ruddy Awah, along with the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Ridhwan Roger Linus, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Development) Jasni Abu Suffyan Omar, department directors, and senior ministry officials.

He then proceeded to the biometric counter, symbolising the formal start of his new role.

Also present were the directors and senior officers of the Sabah Works Department, Water Department, Sabah Sewerage Services Department, Sabah Electricity, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

The briefing covered the full range of KKRU’s core mandates — including road upgrades, improvement of public facilities, and the planning, coordination, and management of essential utilities such as electricity and water.

Departments also outlined the strategic direction and priorities for the coming year. In his address, Joachim emphasised the importance of stronger coordination, saying that cohesive teamwork is essential for the successful delivery of infrastructure projects that will meaningfully impact communities throughout Sabah.

“We must work as one team to ensure that infrastructure projects in Sabah are implemented more efficiently, for the benefit of the rakyat,” he said.

His appointment is expected to bring renewed focus and energy to KKRU’s efforts to enhance service delivery and drive organised, high-impact development across the state.