PITAS: The Federal Government will continue to provide as much assistance as possible to assist Sabah, said Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Economy, Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib.
“The election victory represents the people’s mandate and determines the leaders chosen to continue implementing development efforts for the benefit and well-being of the people in the state,” she said at the 2025 Sabah Targeted Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Carnival themed “Leaving No One Behind” held at Dataran Bengkoka, here.
The programme was jointly organised with the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), and was also attended by its Chief Executive Datuk Seri Hashim Paijan.
Hanifah said Pitas is among the most challenging districts in terms of development due to remote villages, narrow and hilly roads, and uneven access to basic facilities.
For that reason, she said, the government is applying a targeted SDG approach to ensure assistance reaches the right groups — specifically villages, families, and individuals who truly need it.
She explained that this approach aligns with the SDGs, especially SDG 11, which emphasises safe and resilient communities. Development cannot be carried out generally but must follow the actual living conditions of the Pitas community.
“This carnival provides a platform for the people to meet directly with government agencies, obtain information, assistance, job opportunities, and health screenings.
“Among the programmes offered are service exhibitions for the public including the Pitas Tourism Association, National Registration Department, Pitas Health Office, Community College, RAHMAH Madani sales, a career carnival, a blood donation campaign, free health screenings, free haircuts for students, food and beverage stalls, and B40 food baskets.
“This programme is also a space for the government to hear issues directly from the people to plan more accurate and faster actions, in line with the true values of the Targeted SDG approach — development guided by the people’s voice,” she said.
Hanifah added that various studies have shown Pitas is different from many other districts in Sabah. Its large area, distant villages, unstable access to water and electricity, and schools in need of repair all indicate the need for a more structured and meticulous development approach.
“Therefore, every policy and programme planned must not merely view Sabah as a whole, but must specifically consider the conditions of villages in Pitas,” she said.
She also noted that she attended a briefing by the Pitas District Office on the Pitas District Strategic Development Plan 2024–2035. The plan provides a clear and comprehensive outlook for the future of the district.
“Among the key focuses of the plan are improvements in basic facilities and infrastructure, the development of new growth centres, strengthening of the local economy through entrepreneurship and job opportunities, empowerment of youth, women and indigenous communities, transformation of the tourism, agriculture and services sectors, digitalisation of services and communications, environmental preservation, and disaster risk management.
“Indeed, many projects have been implemented and are ongoing. However, we know there are still families who have not fully enjoyed proper facilities. There are still areas reliant on dirt roads and limited water sources. That is why a targeted approach is essential so that the needs of each village can be identified more accurately,” she said.
She urged the people of Pitas to take advantage of available opportunities to voice their concerns and proposals to officials, especially urgent needs, because the voices of the people form the basis of development.
She said the government is ready to listen and cooperate, as effective development can only be achieved when the government and the people move forward together.
Among those present were the Ministry of Economy National SDG Centre Director Asfaazam Kasbani, Esscom Commander DCP Datuk Victor Sanjos, Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority Director Mohd Jamil @ Jomiun Abdullah, Sabah State Economic Planning Unit Deputy Director Tseu Kei Yue and Assistant District Officer Jasri Juki who hosted the event.
