LABUAN, Oct 5 (Bernama) — More than 1,000 people gathered today at the Labuan Public Works Department (JKR) headquarters for the first-ever Mega Public Engagement Day (HBP].
The event, from 7 am to 4 pm, was aimed at strengthening the two-way communication between the Labuan JKR and local community.
Labuan JKR director Mohd Faizul Mohd Ali Hanapiah said the programme was designed not only to explain how the JKR serves the public but also to raise awareness about road safety in the Federal Territory of Labuan.
“Through these interactions, we can listen to the public’s views and feedback, improving the quality of services we provide,” he told Bernama after the event.
Themed “Drive Safe, Arrive Safely,” the event underscored Labuan JKR’s commitment to reducing road accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users.
He said the department also highlighted its efforts to maintain and upgrade infrastructure, including routine and emergency road maintenance, and repainting key intersections with a resin-based surface system for motorcycle waiting zones.
Addressing the challenges of road safety in Labuan, Mohd Faizul noted in addition to road conditions, vehicle factors and drivers’ behaviours contribute significantly to accidents.
He called for cooperation among Labuan JKR, Labuan Corporation, the police as well as road users to enhance road safety.
In conjunction with the event, the Ministry of Works (KKR) also promoted the MYJalan application, launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in August last year.
The app allows the public to report road issues directly, reflecting the government’s commitment to accountability and safety under the “Our Roads, Our Responsibility” initiative.
The event also featured a road safety briefing by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), a zumba session in line with National Sports Day, safety materials briefing, lucky draws and vendor stalls.
JKR corporate policy director Datuk Masri Baharuddin reiterated the importance of public infrastructure development while prioritising user safety and comfort.
He emphasised the event was a crucial platform for two-way interaction between the public and JKR staff.
He said the celebration of the National Professional Technical Day (HPTN) was also promoted, highlighting the government’s initiative to recognise contributions from various technical fields and encourage young people to pursue technical careers.
He also said the 2024 HPTN celebration is scheduled for Dec 12 in Penang, with the Prime Minister expected to officiate the event.
“The Labuan JKR hopes this Public Engagement Day will help identify areas for improvement and strengthen collaboration among the JKR, local agencie and community,” he added.
