Dr Joachim (seated, middle) with the Assistant Ministers and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and department heads during the briefing.
KOTA KINABALU: Deputy Chief Minister I cum Works and Utilities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam has called for more robust, well-coordinated and efficient infrastructure development statewide, stressing that the ministry’s overarching priority is to improve the wellbeing of the people.
Dr Joachim made the call during his first comprehensive briefing at the ministry on Tuesday, held just days after he officially assumed duties at the Works and Utilities Ministry (KKRU) headquarters on Dec 3.
Upon arrival, he was received by Assistant Ministers Datuk Limus Jury and Dato’ Sri Ruddy Awah, Permanent Secretary Datuk Ridhwan Roger Linus, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Development) Jasni Abu Suffyan Omar, department directors and senior officials. He also completed the biometric registration process, symbolising the formal start of his new role.
Also in attendance were directors and senior officers from key agencies under the ministry, including Public Works Department, Water Department, Sewerage Services Department, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
The ministry’s officials presented a full overview of KKRU’s core responsibilities, covering road upgrades, public facility improvements and the planning, coordination and management of critical utilities such as electricity and water supply. Departments also laid out strategic directions and development priorities for the coming year.
In his address, Dr Joachim underscored the need for stronger coordination and teamwork to ensure the effective implementation of infrastructure projects.
“We must work as one team to ensure that infrastructure projects in Sabah are implemented more efficiently, for the benefit of the rakyat,” he said.
His appointment is expected to inject renewed focus and momentum into KKRU’s efforts to strengthen service delivery and drive well-planned, high-impact development across the state.
