Jamawi urges JPS Sabah staff to maintain service excellence

11 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, has called on staff at the Sabah Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) to continue sustaining the momentum of excellence in delivering public services.

He stated that commitment, dedication, and solid teamwork among staff are the main pillars in ensuring that services remain high-quality, efficient, and effective.

He made this call while speaking at the official launch of the 2025 Excellent Service Awards (APC) Ceremony and the 2025/2026 Appreciation Awards for JPS here last night.

Jamawi also shared experiences from recent visits to several locations, including paddy field irrigation areas in Trusan Sapi, Telupid, and Kota Belud.

“On 9 February, I reprimanded and issued work instructions to the operating company and officers under MAFFI,” he said.

Nevertheless, he recorded his appreciation to JPS for successfully reorganising the technical requirements of the ongoing Trusan Sapi paddy irrigation project.

“I always advise all staff to understand the circumstances of our customers, especially farmers facing various challenges,” he said.

In that regard, Jamawi urged all JPS staff to go out into the field to see firsthand the problems faced by farmers.

“I ask engineers to go into the field; even I myself have had to send screenshots to the director via phone,” he said.

He also emphasised that meetings related to agricultural development should be held at project sites to enable a clearer understanding of the actual situation.

“This is the reality of work in the agricultural sector. If you're afraid of the heat, choose another career that doesn't require being in the field all the time,” he stressed.

According to him, the experience in Trusan Sapi should serve as a paradigm shift in efforts to improve the quality of service delivery to the public.

This call is not only directed at JPS staff but also includes all staff in departments and agencies under MAFFI.

In the meantime, Jamawi also proposed the establishment of a Corporate Communications Unit (UKK) at ministry and department levels to monitor developments on social media and channel accurate information to staff before follow-up actions are taken in the field.

At the event, a total of 34 recipients received the Excellent Service Awards, while 25 retirees for the period from July 2025 to July 2026 received the Appreciation Awards.

Jamawi also expressed his appreciation to all award recipients and the organising committee for ensuring the event ran smoothly.

“Well done and congratulations to all recipients. May you continue contributing to improving departmental performance and strengthening service delivery for the people's well-being,” he said.

He stated that the event is not just an annual ceremony but a symbol of appreciation for staff contributions and dedication in carrying out their duties, while also serving as a catalyst to enhance future performance.

He said the recognition also serves as a platform to boost staff morale and motivation to strive for excellence.

“In our work, there may be reprimands given. Take them as guidance to improve task implementation in the field. Insya-Allah, continuous efforts will lead to recognition for everyone,” he said.

Also present were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Jumain Abdul Ghani; Director of the Sabah Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Ir. Haji Siraja Haji Bashora; Sabah State Public Service Secretary, Noraidah Matnoor; State Public Service Director-General, Nekmah Abdullah; Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Data Management), Shariffah Aznoor Jap; Deputy Director (Management Services Sector) of JPS Sabah doubling as Chairman of the Organising Committee, Fadzilah Abdul Ghani; and Deputy Director (Expert Sector) doubling as President of the JPS Sabah Sports and Recreation Club, Miklin Ationg.