KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Council of Social Services (MPMS) launched Welfare Month and the Social Services Network Forum 2026 today at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Under the theme “Empowering Inclusive Welfare Towards Community Well-being”, the initiative designates November as a focal month for welfare activities and volunteerism. Sabah Minister of Women, Health and Community Well-being, Datuk Julita Majungki emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and communities to ensure equitable support for all demographics.
In her officiating speech, she also mentioned about the need to prepare civil society for Sabah’s aging population which would include looking at the National Senior Citizens Policy and Kota Kinabalu City Hall’s (DBKK) “Age-Friendly City” initiative.
“Through this forum and its discussions, we also look forward to expanding NGO roles as strategic partners with the Royal Malaysian Police to combat commercial crimes and online scams,” she said.
Additionally, enhancing professional service delivery by employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) into NGO operations could improve reporting and subsequently, donor trust.
“This is also in line with transitioning to evidence-based programming to ensure NGO financial sustainability,” she added.
Sabah Welfare Services Department Director, Jais Asri, highlighted NGOs are vital strategic partners in filling service gaps, particularly for hard-to-reach communities.
He urged voluntary organizations to strengthen organizational governance, improve volunteer competencies, and embrace innovative technologies for more effective and sustainable service delivery.
A total of 230 participants from various NGOs attended the forum. MPMS member organisations and their strategic partners also held exhibition booths.
Also present were Assistant Minister, Datuk Rina Jainal, Permanent Secretary, Datuk Maria Chong, and Director of the Sabah State Courts, Jason Juga.
The event was organised by MPMS with support from Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
