SANDAKAN – Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said launches Justice on Wheels in Sabah, a mobile service aimed at providing accessible legal aid for people in the region.
Expressing deep concern for Malaysians living in rural areas, she said they encounter significant obstacles in accessing the legal assistance they deserve due to a lack of infrastructure.
Consequently, their rights are often left unprotected by the law, she added.
“What is the use of the law if people are unaware of it and cannot access the legal protection they deserve? This is why awareness-raising programmes in rural areas must be expanded.
“I am deeply concerned because, at times, rural areas become victims of circumstances such as online scams and sexual offences against children,” she told reporters after the launch of the programme in Kampung Madsiang, Kota Kinabalu, today.
The programme will also expand to other parts of Sabah: Pitas in February, Telupid in May, Paitan in June, Sukau in September, and Tungku in October of this year.
“We cannot deny people access to justice. Sabah and Sarawak face similar challenges, such as the distance villagers must travel to obtain legal advice, protection, awareness programmes, and access to the court.
“It’s pointless to have mobile courts if people are unaware of their rights. Therefore, having legal aid readily available ensures they can seek clarification on issues,” she added.
A total of 15 Justice on Wheels, serving as pilot programmes for 2024, are set to be launched in Johor, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Sabah, and Sarawak.
People can access legal consultation services through the programme for as little as RM10, depending on their household income.
Also in attendance at the launch ceremony were Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development and Penampang MP Datuk Ewon Benedick, as well as Kapayan Assemblyman Jannie Lasimbang. – January 25, 2024