Jahid, who represent the Chief Minister, being accompanied by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister and Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, during visiting the JoW counters.
TUARAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor hoped the Legal Aid Department’s (LAD) Justice on Wheels (JoW) programme will be expanded to more interior areas so that more people in Sabah can gain access to legal aid services.
“This is an important aspect of the people’s wellbeing, as it ensures that our justice system is inclusive and easily accessible to all levels of society.
“This programme, which focuses on delivering justice comprehensively and efficiently especially to those living in rural areas or who are less fortunate is also in line with the State Government’s aspiration that no one should be left behind in gaining access to justice,” he said at the JoW programme held at Dewan Seri Sulaman here today. His speech was delivered by Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim.
The Chief Minister said the programme reflects the Government’s commitment and determination in prioritising the role of LAD in defending the rights of underprivileged groups in obtaining fair justice.
“Various reforms have been pursued to promote legal aid services as well as to spread public knowledge and awareness of the facilities provided by the Government.
“This is crucial to ensure that no one is excluded from the legal process simply due to financial incapacity or a lack of awareness about the facilities made available by the Government over the past 54 years,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that the acquisition of a special van for Sabah, known as the JoW Sabah van, to implement the programme launched in Penampang in January 2024, demonstrates the MADANI Government’s commitment, in line with the State Government’s aspiration to provide access to justice for all levels of society regardless of location.
Throughout 2024, LAD carried out 28 programmes in Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Kedah and Terengganu.
Last year, the JoW programme was implemented in five districts in Sabah, namely Pitas, Tongod, Papar, Sipitang and Paitan.
This year, JoW began in Kampung Gas, Batu Sapi, Sandakan; Tawau Community Hall; and the Lahad Datu Syariah Court in February, followed by Dataran Bagandang, Beaufort in July, before being held in Tuaran today.
