Sabah to boost women’s leadership, economic participation, says minister

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 5): Women in Sabah are set to receive greater policy attention under a new state framework aimed at boosting leadership, economic participation and protection from social risks, said State Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing (KWKKR) Minister Datuk Julita Majungki.

Speaking during her first ministerial address for 2026 at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru here, Julita said women now make up a significant portion of Sabah’s population.

While women outperform men in education, their representation in leadership roles — particularly in politics and senior administration — remains below parity.

“Women today form a very large group in Sabah. Their numbers in education have grown, but their involvement in leadership positions has yet to match this reality,” she said.

Julita announced that the state government will work towards a Sabah-specific women’s policy to complement the existing national framework.

“We need a policy that truly reflects the social, economic, and cultural realities of women in Sabah.

“Empowering women means creating opportunities in economic participation, skills development, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

“It also means ensuring their protection from violence, neglect, and exploitation,” she said.

On the public service, Julita noted progress, saying the state has achieved its target of 30 per cent women in senior administrative posts, but added that political leadership remains an area requiring further improvement.

Highlighting healthcare, she said access remains uneven, particularly in rural and interior areas.

“We are implementing a zoning system to share expertise, facilities, and manpower between regions, and engaging communities so they understand the challenges we face,” she said, adding that these plans are part of a long-term approach under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).

On social welfare, Julita stressed that impact matters more than numbers.

“What counts is that assistance truly reaches those who need it and makes a real difference,” she said.

She said the ministry focuses on the poor, elderly, persons with disabilities, single mothers and children, with programmes delivered transparently and effectively.

Julita also addressed the high cost of living and drug abuse prevention, describing them as complex issues that cannot be solved by one ministry alone.

“They require collaboration with other agencies, non-governmental organisations, families, and the community.”

On governance, she emphasised that integrity and inter-agency cooperation are essential to improving service delivery and tackling social challenges.

Julita said her ministry’s goal is not merely to provide aid, but to serve as a driver of social wellbeing in Sabah.