PUTATAN 9th December, 2009: Sabah can attain zero hardcore poverty in two to three years’ time, according to Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin.
Although the initial target was next year, he said more time was needed due to many obstacles and unresolved issues.
“We cannot achieve it next year but with various poverty eradication programmes already in place we believe we can get there in two to three years,” he said when officiating at a circumcision ceremony for some 90 children here yesterday.
He said the matter was decided during a meeting on poverty eradication chaired by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman at Wisma Innoprise yesterday morning.
Yahya stressed the government has been working hard in implementing programmes to help improve the income for the poor so they can consequently break free from poverty.
For example, the allocation for building houses for the poor has been increased in stages from just RM7,000 when it was first introduced to RM42,000 today to allow the poor to own better and more comfortable homes.
“Other financial assistance, such as living allowance for fishermen have been introduced while the amount of the existing financial aid gets increased from time to time.
“This shows that the government is sincere and committed to help the people and allow the poor to have a better life,” he said.
On another matter, he said the transition of Putatan into a sub-district was progressing well and expected to be fully completed by early next year.
He said physical work to allow Putatan to have its own district administration has begun with several officers already assuming responsibility at the district office.
“It has been approved by the state government and everything is already in place. The physical aspect is ready and we are just waiting for the legal aspect to be completed. Currently we are waiting for the sub-district to be gazetted,” he said.
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