Enforcement Officers told to carry out their duties with integrity

8 November 2024

KOTA KINABALU: All enforcement officers of the Local Authorities (PBT) must practice integrity, transparency, and accountability in carrying out their duties.

Deputy Chief Minister II, Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam, conveyed this during the closing ceremony of the Sabah Local Authority Enforcement Conference 2024, themed "Transformation of Sabah Local Authority Enforcement: Integrity, Transparency, and Concern Towards the Welfare of the People," at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, last night.

Joachim who is also the Minister of Housing and Local Government emphasised that organising this conference, the first since the establishment of the Sabah PBT, is crucial for instilling enthusiasm among all enforcement officers in the state.

"Attention must be given to the presence of Sabah PBT enforcement officers. When the community sees these officers, what should come to mind is compliance with laws and regulations. This felt presence is important to ensure that Sabah PBT enforcement officers are respected in fulfilling their responsibilities.

"All PBTs must be courageous in carrying out their duties without abusing power, and foster an attitude of trustworthiness, honesty, and integrity in every task they undertake," he said.

He also hopes that the conference will provide in-depth knowledge to the Sabah PBT enforcement officers, enabling them to carry out their duties in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya direction and the ministry's objectives.

According to Joachim, this conference is an effort to renew PBT enforcement in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency, in accordance with the ever-changing needs of the community.

He emphasised that the expected reforms among Sabah PBT enforcement officers include aspects of transparency and accountability, the use of technology or IT in task execution, community-based approaches, enhancement of knowledge and credibility through training, and a focus on sustainable development principles.

"This reform is important to ensure a relevant and effective enforcement system in addressing the new challenges faced by the community," he said.

Dr. Joachim hopes that through this conference, Sabah PBT enforcement officers will become more confident, knowledgeable, and skilled by practicing values of integrity in their duties.

A total of 122 enforcement officers from Sabah PBT attended this three-day conference.

Dr. Joachim also expressed his gratitude to the organising committee and extended congratulations to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Datuk Dr. Jamili Nais, as the Chief Administrator at the ministry level for successfully implementing this program.

Also present were Assistant Ministers I and II, Datuk Isnin Aliasnih and Datuk Mohd. Hamsan Awang Supain; Deputy Permanent Secretary II, Faridah Giau, who is also the co-chair of the organising committee, along with the Executive Officer of the Putatan District Council, Helmy Taib.