KUCHING, Nov 29: Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian has admitted that the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) disbursement was not implemented smoothly.
He has called for improvement on his ministry and local councils’ part by allowing agencies to see if any rules or procedures would hinder the people.
Speaking at the Excellence Service Award Ceremony held at Pullman Miri Waterfront Hotel today, Dr Sim said civil servants must capitalise on the various learning resources available due to the pandemic.
“Let us learn from each other in adopting good practices drawn from all sectors. The multi-level agency cooperation will enable us to develop a more effective operating framework to help the Councils be more prepared.
“I call for continuous improvement and cooperation from now on, to ensure our machinery can extend assistance to the people who need it urgently, anytime and anywhere,” he said.
Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) president-cum-Batu Kawah incumbent, said the role of local councils would gradually pick up as Sarawak moves into the endemic phase.
“This responsibility will land on our feet as we do not want to fall into complacency by allowing Covid-19 or other diseases to dismantle what we have built together.
“We need to enhance our present role and increase our engagements with the local communities to adhere to the new norm,” he said.
He also said there might be a need to develop new regulations under the ministry’s responsibility to enforce and secure a change of behaviour in the public realm.
A total of 380 officers from the ministry, Sarawak Central and Northern Zone Irrigation and Drainage Department, Central and Northern Zone Housing Development Corporation, and 24 local authorities (PBT) were selected to receive the award. — DayakDaily
