JoW Programme to Be Expanded to More Interior Areas

20 August 2025

TUARAN: The Legal Aid Department’s (LAD) Justice on Wheels (JoW) programme will be expanded to more remote and interior areas, ensuring greater access to legal aid services for the people of Sabah.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor said the initiative plays a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of the people by ensuring that the justice system remains inclusive and accessible to all segments of society.

“This programme, which focuses on delivering justice comprehensively and efficiently—particularly to those in rural or disadvantaged communities—is in line with the State Government’s aspiration that no one should be left behind in accessing justice,” he said in a speech delivered by Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim at the JoW programme held at Dewan Seri Sulaman today.

He added that the government’s commitment and determination to strengthen the role of the LAD in upholding the rights of the underprivileged is clearly reflected through this initiative.

“Various reforms have been introduced to enhance legal aid services and raise public awareness about the resources and support available through government facilities,” he said.

“This is crucial to ensure that no one is excluded from the justice process due to financial hardship or a lack of awareness of the services provided by the government over the past 54 years.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted the significance of acquiring a dedicated JoW van for Sabah, which was first launched in Penampang in January 2024. The JoW Sabah van symbolises the MADANI government's ongoing commitment to ensuring justice is accessible to all, regardless of geographical location.

In 2024, the LAD has implemented 28 JoW programmes across Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Kedah, and Terengganu.

Last year, the programme reached five districts in Sabah—Pitas, Tongod, Papar, Sipitang, and Paitan.

This year, JoW activities began in Kampung Gas, Batu Sapi (Sandakan), the Tawau Community Hall, and the Lahad Datu Syariah Court in February, followed by Dataran Bagandang in Beaufort in July,and now, in Tuaran.