LABUAN, Oct 31 – Nine water supply projects worth about RM133 million have been completed in Labuan, as the federal government steps up efforts to improve water reliability on the island.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the projects were completed and handed over in January this year.
The government has allocated nearly RM640 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) for 19 water supply projects in Labuan.
Yeoh said the projects were important because Labuan depends heavily on treated water from Sabah. Nearly 90 per cent of its treated water comes from the Lawa Gadong Water Treatment Plant.
Disruptions at the plant can affect households and businesses in Labuan. Therefore, Yeoh stressed that the funding must lead to a more reliable water supply.
RM300,000 Allocated for Senior Citizens’ Centre
Yeoh also announced RM300,000 to build a permanent Activity Centre for Senior Citizens (PAWE) in Labuan.
The new centre will replace the current rented premises.
She urged the Social Welfare Department, Labuan Corporation and local Rukun Tetangga committees to work together to encourage more senior citizens to join community activities.
She also highlighted the need to reach elderly residents who live alone or have difficulty leaving their homes. Home visits and community outreach programmes can help connect them with welfare services.
Rental Discounts to Support Small Traders
Labuan Corporation has introduced a 50 per cent rental reduction this year for eligible small traders.
The discount applies to traders operating at the Central Market and several other business premises.
The initiative aims to reduce operating costs and ease the financial pressure on small businesses.
School Transport Aid Reaches 437 Pupils
Yeoh said school transportation assistance had been introduced for 437 pupils from six schools.
The initiative followed concerns raised during her previous visit in August.
The programme involves cooperation between the Education Department, Labuan Corporation, schools, parents and local bus operators.
Yeoh said its success should be measured by whether school attendance improves.
Labuan Geopark and Disaster Preparedness
The government is waiting for the outcome of a reassessment of Labuan Geopark’s National Geopark status. The designation was first awarded in 2021.
Yeoh expressed hope that Labuan could eventually receive UNESCO Global Geopark recognition.
She also highlighted the importance of preparing for disasters. An exercise held in April involved the National Disaster Management Agency, Labuan Corporation and Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
The exercise included tsunami and earthquake simulations.
Government Agencies Urged to Improve Public Services
Yeoh reminded government agencies that announcing allocations and launching programmes was not enough.
She said agencies must also respond to residents’ complaints and follow up on unresolved issues.
The Program MADANI Kita initiative brings different government agencies together to make services and assistance easier to access.
Community organisations and non-governmental organisations also play an important role. They can help identify vulnerable families and connect them with the support they need.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
