KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor wants all civil  servants tasked with responsibilities to take heed of issues affecting the well-being of  the rakyat. 

“I want all of you to be proactive and sensitive to the needs of the rakyat,” he said during  a meeting with permanent secretaries, heads of departments, district officers and local  council heads at Menara Kinabalu yesterday. 

He said all projects approved for the benefit of the people must be implemented as soon  as possible. 

The Chief Minister said they must do away with bureaucracy by simplifying processes  to get things done, especially in resolving infrastructure and basic amenities issues such  as water and electricity. 

On another note, Hajiji said the State Government has put in place development  strategies to benefit the people and achieved much to bring in revenue to RM7 billion last year, for the state through initiatives under the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya  Development Plan. 

He said investment-friendly initiatives have attracted investments to Sabah, and the fact  that the Sipitang Oil and Gas Park (SOGIP) is 100 per cent occupied and with the Kota  Kinabalu (KKIP) near full occupation, is a testimony of this. 

Likewise, he said the Commercial Collaborative Agreement (CCA) with Petronas meant  Sabah has benefitted from the oil and gas industry, while at the same time, the State  Government are in talks for Sabah to get more share and benefits. 

“This has never been achieved before, and the momentum must continue with the  support and efforts of all,” he said. 

The Chief Minister said the State Cabinet has also approved the hiring of more  professionals, particularly engineers needed at the Works and Water Departments.

He said the positions are in the process of being filled at both departments to ensure  work effiency. 

“With the hiring of these staff, it is hoped that problems like water woes, among others,  can be resolved,” he said. 

Hajiji also asked for a complete and prompt report from the Water Department on the  Sandakan water supply shortage, as only one of the three water treatment plants is  working. 

“The concessionaire must fulfil its obligation as part of the contract to supply water to  consumers in the district or face action,” he said. 

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