KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Government has welcomed Japan’s ongoing support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through the donation of a wheelchair-accessible Toyota Hiace van to Sabah Cheshire Home and Services.
Sabah Minister of Women, Health, and People’s Wellbeing (KWKKR), Datuk Julita Majungki, said the vehicle – funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) – will enhance mobility and accessibility for beneficiaries at the Sandakan facility.
The van will enable safer, more comfortable access to healthcare, rehabilitation, education, and community activities, replacing a vehicle over 25 years old.
“This is more than transport; it’s about dignity, independence, and full societal participation,” Julita stated at the handover ceremony at Sabah Cheshire Home and Services today.
She highlighted accessibility as a key challenge for PWDs and thanked Japan’s Government and the Consular Office in Kota Kinabalu for their sustained welfare support.
“This is the third vehicle from Japan to Sabah Cheshire Home, underscoring our strong friendship and humanitarian ties,” she added.
Valued at RM251,890 and equipped with a wheelchair loader – a first for Sandakan – the van bolsters the home’s residential care, education, skills training, and independent living programmes.
Julita praised Sabah Cheshire Home’s dedication and reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to partnering with NGOs via the Social Welfare Services Department (JPKA).
She also signalled openness to future collaborations to aid PWDs and seniors.
Present were Head of the Consular Office of Japan in Kota Kinabalu, Hisaki Nakasuji; Second Secretary/Vice-Consul Sugaya Kyohei; Sabah Cheshire Home president Lawrence Hee Qui Shing; and KWKKR Principal Assistant Secretary Lee Chun Kiat. -pr/BNN
