11k hardcore poor heads of households left in Sabah, PM says

 

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said hardcore poverty in Sabah had been successfully reduced to about 11,000 heads of households.

“Thank you to the chief minister (Hajiji Noor) and the state government because the number was achieved convincingly, I believe in this short time we can reduce it and if possible wipe out (hardcore poverty),” he said.

He said hardcore poverty was already eradicated in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor, Perak, and Penang.

With measures taken, Anwar said he believed extreme poverty in Sabah would also be eradicated.

He was speaking at the national Madani 2024 Aidilfitri Celebration officiated by Sabah Governor Juhar Mahiruddin in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, today.

The event was also attended by deputy prime ministers Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Fadillah Yusof, as well as Hajiji.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor

Anwar said his government is committed to eradicating hardcore poverty in Sabah, despite knowing the situation is complicated to resolve.

“The problem is more complicated with the arrival and intrusion of the border area, but I believe in giving full support to the state government under Hajiji to solve this problem together with the federal government,” he added.

In this regard, he believes the close relationship between his government and the Sabah government led by Hajiji can play an important role in realising that commitment.

The prime minister said ensuring that projects for people in Sabah are carried out effectively cannot be done by Putrajaya alone but requires feedback and views from the state.

“We have identified the problems of flooding, water, potholes, the Pan Borneo (Highway), electricity supply, and lack of schools, all of which have been expressed and we took note.

“This is the spirit of the Madani government to listen and implement as well as possible,” he said.

Anwar also said there should be efforts to bring in more investment and initiatives to attract more tourists to Sabah and further drive the economy in the state.

“We want to drive growth, we want investments to come, for our hotels to be full of tourists... we have a moral responsibility to be tough to eradicate hardcore poverty in the country including in Sabah,” he said.

- Bernama