Kota Kinabalu: Kapayan Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang warned that the government cannot ignore the reality of climate change, which is increasingly affecting people’s lives.
Disasters such as flash floods, landslides and strong winds are now occurring more frequently in Kapayan, she said.
“Therefore, I wish to emphasise the importance of regular and large-scale cleaning of drains and ditches, as well as timely road repairs, which must be carried out according to schedule and not merely in response to complaints.
“I recommend that the relevant departments and concession holders ensure that cleaning works are conducted efficiently and on time.
“Proactive measures such as the installation of early warning systems in flood-prone areas must also be expedited,” she said when debating the State Government’s policy speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here.
She also highlighted that Kapayan has 12 squatter colonies, which she believes have contributed to rampant water and electricity theft cases.
“Eviction notices have already been issued three times, yet no long-term solution has been found.
“What is the Sabah Government’s policy regarding squatter settlements, especially those predominantly occupied by non-citizens?” she questioned.
She also hoped that small industry players and local communities in Penampang would share the benefit from the influx of visitors during Visit Malaysia Year 2026, which the government targets 3.5 million tourists.
At the same time, she said the government must ensure that the natural environment is not sacrificed to pollution, and that existing water supply issues do not worsen to the detriment of local residents.
Regarding the Energy Transition agenda and the Carbon Neutral target by 2050, she questioned what the government has planned to utilise renewable energy, such as solar power, particularly in urban areas and public spaces like schools, community halls, and public markets.
On the subject of Governance, Integrity, and Anti-Corruption (GIA), she asked what efforts are being made to strengthen the integrity of civil servants and to instil a culture of transparent and accountable governance.
In relation to the i-Adu System, she wanted to know what measures are being taken to increase public engagement, and when the i-Adu mobile app will be launched.
She welcomed the government’s move to adopt the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as the implementation of the Climate Change Vulnerability, Impact and Adaptation Study in Sabah, and the effort to draft a Climate Change Enactment.
“This study and the drafting process should be widely disseminated as climate change affects all levels of society regardless of background,” said Jannie.
She also supported the empowerment of human capital through initiatives such as the higher education student contributions (Sentosa) and the one-off school activity grant (Sukses), which are essential for students from B40 families.
“However, many rural students still miss out due to lack of access to information or financial means to pursue education after SPM or STPM.
“Hence, I propose that schools, in collaboration with the Sabah Government, take a more proactive role to ensure that no student is left behind in pursuing higher education,” said Jannie.
She further highlighted the importance of strong links between socio-cultural development and the overall well-being of youth.
“We must help lay a solid and meaningful foundation for the lives of our young people,” she urged.
In Kapayan, a group that is often marginalised consists of single mothers and widows who are still raising their children, she said.
“They are not idle — in fact, many work two jobs to make ends meet. They are caught in a dilemma — ‘not poor enough’ to qualify for schemes like e-Kasih, but also not financially stable enough to survive without support,” said Jannie.
“I urge the government to consider establishing a special childcare assistance scheme for working single mothers and widows,” Jannie suggested.
She applauded the establishment of the Sabah Autism Centre and suggested that more support be provided to children with disabilities, including systematic and continuous allocations to NGOs that deliver social services to the disabled.
For children with autism, she said therapy in Integrated Special Education Programmes (PPKI) only begins at age six, although early intervention is crucial.
“I hope the Sabah Autism Centre will provide therapy services as early as age three or four. “I would also like to ask: what are the government’s plans to introduce guidance programmes or psychosocial support for parents raising autistic children?
“Many of them suffer from deep emotional and social stress and require spaces for learning, sharing, and receiving support,” she said.
Regarding elderly care, Jannie proposed that the government consider establishing day care centres for senior citizens, particularly in the Kapayan area.
“These centres could be operated by local women’s groups as part of an economic empowerment initiative and provide support to unpaid carers—especially adult children or daughters-in-law who juggle caregiving duties with employment,” she said.
On the measurement and issuance of native land grants or reserves, she suggested that the government improve land dispute resolution mechanisms through the establishment of a tribunal or mediation process.
“This will enable Indigenous communities to legally cultivate their ancestral land, ensuring the continuity of their livelihood and identity,” she said.
In preparation for the 13th Malaysia Plan, she urged the Sabah Government to prioritise people-centric development to ensure that the planned progress genuinely benefits all.
For Kapayan, aside from infrastructure upgrades, she proposed that priority be given to the construction of a general market building with a multistorey car park at Kapayan Square.