Ministry calls for more frequent engagements with local authorities

MUKAH: Interactions or meetings involving discussions and communication between the Ministry of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government (MPHLG) and local authorities (PBT) need to be held more frequently.

MPHLG Deputy Minister, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said that such engagements are important to understand and address the problems faced by the community.

“Without knowing the problems they face, the initiatives we take to help them may not be effective.

“Therefore, I am grateful to see the current theme of the MPHLG Innovative and Creative Group (KIK) Convention as it is relevant to the feedback received.”

He said this during the closing ceremony of the MPHLG KIK Convention at Kingwood Resort here.

Further commenting, he said complaints from the public should be better utilised as KIK projects because they help resolve the problems faced.

He stressed that if complaints are not taken seriously, these KIK projects are meaningless as they do not help the community solve their problems.

“Ten years ago, we rarely received complaints from the surrounding community, but due to the advancement of technology, we now receive complaints at any time.

“Because of this, I propose to frequently hold engagement sessions with the community so that we can always provide the best services to everyone,” he added.

In the meantime, the Best Performance and Champion of the MPHLG KIK were won by Jang Meran from Kota Samarahan Municipal Council with the title ‘Unsystematic Complaint Channeling by Council Members.’

The first runner-up was won by the De’Durious Team from the Serian District Council with the title ‘Inefficient Roadside Grass Maintenance.’

The third place was won by Engkabang from the Maradong and Julau District Council with the title ‘High Rate of Drain Cover Loss.’

Also present were MPHLG permanent secretary Elizabeth Lo, Deputy Resident of Mukah Shafrie Saili, and Acting Mukah District Officer Peleadzman Ahip.