Kuala Penyu Sustainable Village Initiative launched, Engaging 52 Villages
23 November 2024
KUALA PENYU: Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam today inaugurated the Sustainable Village Initiative 2025 at the district level in Kuala Penyu, marking a significant step towards transformative efforts at the village and district levels.
As the Minister of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), he announced that the programme will see participation from 52 villages across the Kuala Penyu and Menumbok areas.
Dr. Joachim explained that each village will be evaluated based on specific indicators defined within the Kuala Penyu Sustainable Village Rating System.
“The Sustainable Village Rating System is an adaptation of the Local Authority (PBT) Star Rating System implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) at the federal level,” he noted.
“Sustainability ratings will be awarded to all villages that participate in this program. Villages that do not meet reasonable sustainability levels will receive ongoing guidance from program coordinators through the Kuala Penyu District Council (MDKP) and will be encouraged to seek knowledge-sharing opportunities with villages that have achieved satisfactory sustainability ratings of four stars or higher.
“Through the Sustainable Village program, the administration committee and residents will consistently strive to enhance the sustainability of their villages each year. This effort will be recognized at the district level by the program coordinators, namely the PBT,” he stated at the launch, which coincided with the closing ceremony of the Kuala Penyu Community Initiative Program (IKL).
Dr. Joachim expressed appreciation for MDKP's efforts to highlight beneficial initiatives through the Community Initiative Program.
He emphasised that the State Government, through KKTP, has several key initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of citizens and committing to sustainable, inclusive development.
These include the Agenda to Eradicate Hardcore Poverty, the Development of Affordable Housing Projects to provide comfortable and quality accommodations for low-income groups, and the implementation of solid waste and environmental management programmes such as the Development of Waste Disposal Sites by PBT, the I-Hijau Outreach Programme, the Sustainable Partners initiative, Tree Planting Campaigns, and the recent Sabah Landscape Architect Day (SLAD) and Sabah Landscape Architecture Award (SLAA) held earlier this month.
“This demonstrates the government's commitment to listening to and understanding the needs of the people. I hope programs like today’s serve as catalysts for continuous positive change, in line with the theme ‘Prosperous Communities, Sustainable Districts,’” he concluded.
The IKL program was introduced in 2022 as I-Komuniti through the organisation of the CNY Carnival and the Independence Day Celebration. This year, it has been rebranded as IKL Kuala Penyu, embracing the theme “Prosperous Communities, Sustainable Districts.”
Dr. Joachim noted that the theme “Prosperous Communities, Sustainable Districts” is highly relevant, reflecting the commitment of all community members to understand the importance of fostering sustainability and enhancing governance at all administrative levels, particularly in Kuala Penyu.
The two-day event, which began on November 22, 2024, has successfully met its objectives by introducing the “Plastic-Free Day” initiative as an early campaign to address solid waste management issues and promote community awareness of environmental sustainability.
A total of 12 initiatives have been integrated into the 2024 IKL Program to engage communities in sharing experiences and enhancing service delivery from local authorities or the government. This approach aims to foster understanding among community members, contributing to a robust and tolerant harmony.
The community-driven initiatives include the BMW Toilet Campaign, Caring Community, Community Talks, ‘Plogging’ Adventures, Community Murals, Community Innovations, Low Carbon Communities, Community Gardens, Sustainable Villages, Sustainable Community Seminars, and the Closing Ceremony of IKL Kuala Penyu 2024.
Also present were Assistant Minister I of KKTP Datuk Isnin Aliasnih; Assistant Minister I of the Ministry of Works and Kuala Penyu State Assembly Member Datuk Limus Jury; Deputy Permanent Secretary II of KKTP Faridah Gusi; Executive Chairman of the Sipitang District Council Abd. Karim A.M Zahari; and Community Development Leader Jepinus Kimuin.
