KOTA KINABALU: Poverty eradication and improving the quality of life of the people, the rural folks in particular, will remain the State Government’s priority and focus next year.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman said a sum of RM394.39 million had been set aside under the State Budget 2017 for such purpose next year.
“The Government will continuously implement various poverty eradication programmes with the aim to further decrease the poverty rate in Sabah. This is not impossible as we had successfully reduced the incidence of poverty from 8.1% in 2012 to 4% in 2014 in Sabah,” he said when unveiling the 2017’s Budget at the State Assembly here on Friday.
“The State Government is always committed and dedicated in attaining zero rate poverty. We will implement these efforts gradually yet continuously.
“I am confident that poverty eradication programmes whether short, medium or long term projects, such as 1 Azam Programme, Mini Estet Sejahtera (MESEJ) on Agriculture and Aquaculture, Micro MESEJ project, Local Economic Enhancement Programme (Program Peningkatan Ekonomi Setempat – PPES), Housing Assistance Programme (Program Bantuan Rumah – PBR), Agropolitan Projects and PPRT Farm, will further reduce the State’s incidence of poverty,” he emphasized.
Up to now, a total of 52 Agriculture, Aquaculture and Micro MESEJ projects have been completed and are still being implemented across the State.
MESEJ is a holistic poverty eradication projects where the target groups not only enjoy housing assistance but also capable of generating sustainable income.
Musa said MESEJ programme substantiated the seriousness of the Government in eradicating hard core poverty in this State.
“During my field visit throughout the State and working visit to various districts, I have personally witnessed the implementation, success, and the positive impact on poverty eradication programmes that we have implemented.
“For example, Palm Oil Plantation MESEJ Programme in Kg Labang Sapulut Nabawan; Rubber Plantation MESEJ in Kg Montenior Beaufort and Product Entrepreneur Programme such as batik, Chocolate, Seafood Produce, bakery and cake as well as swiftlet farming MESEJ in Kg. Perpaduan Ria Kudat.
“It is evident that the people we assisted are grateful for the efforts that we did to change their condition for the better compared to their previous condition and subsequently relieved them from clutches of poverty and hardcore poverty,” he added.
Next year, the Government will allocate a sum of RM14.5 million to continue with the implementation of MESEJ projects and poverty eradication programmes in Sabah.
The sole purpose of the Government is no other than to ensure that the poor are living comfortably and productively as well as enjoying a better lifestyle and quality of living.
To assess the progress made by rural communities in Sabah, Musa reckoned that revaluation from multiple dimensions and perspectives of social welfare was important.
In this regard, he cited that one of the initiatives taken by the Government was to implement the Village Prosperity Programme (Program Kampung Sejahtera – PKS).
He said this programme was implemented in 2014 with a special focus on backward villages in rural areas that were to be developed and improved with a more inclusive approach.
As at now, a total of 31 villages have been involved in PKS. In 2017, an additional 20 more villages are planned to be included under this programme with an allocation of RM2.2 million.
The ultimate goal is to transform backward villages by combining three main development aspects, namely strengthening human capital, economic development and improving quality of life.
According to the Chief Minister further, raising income of the target groups in rural area was part of State Government agenda as well.
“One of the approaches implemented by the Government is to involve them in entrepreneurial activities.
“Ministry of Rural Development Sabah has been and will continuously implement the Rural Entrepreneur Development Programme, One District One Product Programme, Sales and Promotion Programme and Entrepreneurship Training Programme. “Homestay programme will also be encouraged in the certain villages,” he said, adding that RM1.5 million had been allocted to improve the entrepreneurial skills amongst the rural community next year.
Musa also disclosed that RM36.91 million had been set aside under the Budget for Sabah State Library.
He said construction of the Tanjung Aru Library, a Corporate Social Resposibility (CSR) project, was expected to start operating next year.
“This project is a manifestation of smart partnership between the Government and the private sector. The library is one of a kind icons in Sabah, not only because its construction funding sources are from the private sector, but also its green technology and people-friendly architectural concept,” he dded.
On other social development and welfare, Musa told the House that Government would continue to improve the delivery system of assistance to the target groups consisting of individuals or families who cannot afford to cover the necessities of life because of illness, disability and death.
This target group includes people with disabilities (OKU), orphans, the elderly and adopted children from the “Child Adoption Programme” operated by Malaysian Social Welfare Department (SWD).
He also said the School Assistance Programme such as better quality uniforms and stationery to primary school pupils would be continued so as to ease the financial burden shouldered by their parents to meet the children’s schooling expenses, especially among the low-income households.
“The Government will also implement a programme known as 2 (two) Years Exit Programme (2YEP) to encourage productive welfare beneficiaries to be self-reliant.
“Under this programme, each recipient will be given a grant of RM2,700 as initial capital to do or to continue their businesses,” said Musa, expressing the Government hopes that after two years, the recipients would be taken off from the list of welfare recipients.