KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin has reiterated the state government's dedication to eradicating local poverty, Sabah First Info reported.

The commitment was expressed during the Fifth Session of the State Legislative Assembly, highlighting a significant reduction in registered extreme poverty cases from 22,510 households in September 2023 to 13,179 by March 2024, marking a 42 per cent decrease.

This achievement stems from meticulous data refinement and the implementation of targeted poverty alleviation programmes.

Juhar said that the state's strategies include short, medium, and long-term plans across five main pillars: employment, entrepreneurship, housing, education, and welfare.

These initiatives are designed to match the appropriate aid with the needs of the impoverished households, focusing particularly on employment opportunities and entrepreneurial engagement to ensure steady incomes.

Additionally, the state has intensified efforts through the Sabah Maju Jaya Housing Programme to ensure that rural communities have access to comfortable and safe living conditions, directly improving their quality of life.

The government has also approved funds to develop a 'Talent Pool' by sponsoring scholarships for local students at higher education institutions both within Malaysia and abroad, benefiting 6,488 students.

Juhar also announced plans to continue enhancing the well-being and socioeconomic standards of all communities through various initiatives, including the development of new towns such as Kalabakan, Tongod, Merotai in Tawau, and Sungai Melayu Sebatik in Tawau, with three more towns, Pagalungan, Sukau, and Paginatan in Ranau, slated for future development.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1040063/initiatives-eradicate-poverty-sabah-underway