PENAMPANG: Kapayan State Assemblywoman Jannie Lasimbang celebrated parents at a community hi-tea yesterday, skilfully combining festivity with impactful policies designed to bolster families and promote equitable growth.
The gathering, which saw the participation of 300 residents from 16 villages, highlighted her two-pronged approach of acknowledging parental contributions and addressing systemic challenges through community-led initiatives.
For mothers – grants for home-based businesses, such as food enterprises and online handicraft ventures, for fathers – short-term skills training programmes in construction, services, and digital sectors are on the horizon.
Market access – in collaboration with the Penampang Town Council and MP Datuk Ewon Benedick, plans are in place to expand night and community markets, and family-centric infrastructure – affordable childcare centres will be established near residential areas and workplaces.
Public safety will be enhanced with improved lighting at bus stops, installation of functional CCTVs, and road improvements.
For health and social protection – weekly mobile clinics will operate at Donggongon and Kepayan Square and partnerships with PERKESO aim to increase awareness of SKSSR/SKSPS schemes for housewives and self-employed workers, while parent-led support groups will focus on mental health and cancer awareness, while sustained funding will be provided for sports academies and tech workshops to empower the youth with competitive skills.
Jannie is backing eco-initiatives, including community gardens, recycling drives, and green markets.
The hi-tea, held at Dewan Taman Nosoob, had PERKESO representatives present to assist attendees with social security enrolment. Drawing inspiration from Julia Ward Howe’s 1870 peace manifesto on Mother’s Day, Jannie linked the concept to Kapayan’s drive for gender – inclusive governance.
She stated: “Parental love is the quiet force behind strong communities, but systemic support turns that love into lasting change. When women and men lead side by side, we build a society where no one is left behind.”
The event also celebrated symbolic progress, with nine women now serving as chairs of Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK/JKDB), demonstrating Jannie’s dedication to gender equity in leadership. – James Leong
