KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has stressed that integrity, professionalism, and efficiency in district administration are key to ensuring state policies bring real benefits to the people and drive the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda.
He said district officers and their deputies are grassroots leaders who act as the bridge between government and the people, and therefore must be proactive, transparent, and close to communities to ensure development projects are implemented effectively.
Speaking at the 28th Sabah District Officers Conference on Thursday, Hajiji urged officers to cut unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure every project reaches the people with honesty and accountability.
He said district administration now faces greater challenges due to rising public expectations and global socio-economic shifts driven by technology.
Hajiji pointed to the success of SMJ Development Plan 1.0, including the reduction of rural poverty, and highlighted initiatives such as the Rumah Mesra SMJ housing programme, with 7,482 units approved between 2022 and 2025 and 4,540 completed as of August.
He added that the State Government had also raised the monthly allowance of Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairpersons from RM500 to RM800 and secretaries from RM300 to RM400 in recognition of their community roles.
The Chief Minister reminded officers to be ready for unpredictable weather conditions, ensure rescue equipment is well maintained, and help deliver practical resolutions from the conference under its theme “Progressive Districts, Prosperous People” in line with the aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya.
