MIRI (Sept 11): Community leaders and village chiefs (KMKK) should adopt a culture of integrity in monitoring development projects that are being and will be implemented by the government.

Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat said they are also required to ensure that all projects run according to the specified specifications without any deviations.

“KMKK together with the village development and security committee (JKKK) are the eyes and ears of the government. They have a role to ensure fair and transparent development.

“As grassroots leaders, KMKK are the guardians of integrity in their respective communities,” he said in his speech at the inaugural ‘Integrity Tour Series 14 Bil. 5 2024’ here today.

The event, organised by the Sarawak Integrity and Ombudsman Unit (Unions) of the Premier’s Department and Miri Divisional Administrative Office, was attended by 300 JKKK members from Lambir constituency.

Ripin, who is Lambir assemblyman, said the KMKK should report any non-compliance or project delays so that appropriate action can be taken.

They are also expected to be sensitive to social issues such as crime and drug abuse that can affect community integrity, he added.

“This is important because integrity is not only related to economic and development aspects but also the well-being and safety of society.

“Integrity is a shared responsibility whether at the government level, the private sector or the general public. We all play an important role in cultivating this value,” he said.

He assured that as a deputy minister, he would continue to support programmes that foster these noble values.

Also present at the function were Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Datuk Dr Juanda Jaya, Miri Deputy Resident Juan Ubit, Unions director Wan Mohamad Wan Drahman, and Miri district officer Siti Rohanie Yusof.