KOTA KINABALU: August 4, 2026 – For residents of Sabah’s interior, the long hours spent travelling to the city simply to process documents or obtain government information will soon be a thing of the past. The state Department of Information (JAPEN) is ensuring that 30 programmes lined up for National Month 2026 will bring essential services directly to their doorsteps.
JAPEN Sabah Deputy Director Azman Sipan said initiatives such as Info On Wheels and Bakti MADANI are being deliberately deployed to rural areas through collaboration with government agencies, private firms, statutory bodies, local authorities and non-governmental organisations.
“We are working with various agencies to bring their respective services directly to the people, especially in the interior,” he said.
At a single event, families in a village can check their eligibility for welfare aid, receive health counselling, obtain safety information, and even take part in national quizzes without leaving their community. These opportunities not only save money and time but also help foster closer ties between government officials and local residents.
Key programmes include the 2026 Kembara Merdeka Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) flag convoy, the One Home One Flag (1R1JG) campaign, the MADANI Community Soul programme, and a new initiative called Langkah Jiwa Merdeka. This integrated approach is designed to optimise government resources while delivering maximum convenience to the public.
Young people are also being given special attention. Through the Kelab Malaysiaku clubs, the PENTARAMA programme, and patriotic quizzes run in partnership with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), students and youth are being encouraged to understand the meaning of independence in an engaging and enjoyable way. They are not merely spectators but active participants, with a love for the nation being nurtured from school age.
Mr Azman explained that this year’s approach is more strategic and community-focused. Throughout August, every district in Sabah will host a rotating schedule of events. He said the public is invited not only to help enliven the national celebrations but also to experience firsthand that the government is present alongside them, wherever they may be.
Source: JAPEN
