KUCHING: Urban-based Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) have turned out to be an “important bridge” between the people and the government.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said like their rural-based counterparts, these JKKKs also have proven themselves useful to the communities they serve.
“Those who live in villages within the city area need to deal with government departments and agencies from time to time and this is where the JKKKs come in. The JKKKs have proven themselves to be an essential part of the administration,” Uggah said during a Taman Alamanda Indah JKKK fund raising dinner held at Crown Square here Friday.
Uggah who holds two other portfolios, namely the Finance Minister and Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister, said the state government has many socio-economic programmes for youths, women, students, entrepreneurs and precision farmers.
He said the state government is confident that these programmes, which are aimed at empowering the people in such fields as business, entrepreneurship, education and family well-being, will reach their target groups with the help of the JKKKs.
“I am happy to note that the JKKKs, including those in the urban areas, are very active.
“I can see that you are trying your best to help the people by organising discussions and courses, and disseminating information. Indeed, as a bridge between the people and the government, JKKKs are perfect facilitators,” Uggah said.
He lauded the JKKK of Taman Alamanda Indah for its village profile, noting that some of the members are people with good academic and working backgrounds.
Uggah went on to approve a grant of RM50,000 (RM20,000 for general expenses and RM30,000 for the construction of a store) toTaman Alamanda Indah JKKK.
Uggah was accompanied at the dinner by Kanowit MP Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang and political secretary to the chief minister Tan Kai, who represented Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
