Klias hardcore poverty initiative bears fruit

Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025
By: Iskandar Dzulkifli Text Size: BEAUFORT: The government's efforts to eradicate hardcore poverty in Sabah have borne fruit, with the Klias constituency achieving zero hardcore poverty status. Klias Assemblyman Datuk Isnin Aliasnih said this success was the result of the continuous efforts of the State Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as part of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) agenda.
Advertisement Isnin said E-Kasih data showed there were 168 hardcore poor in Klias in 2023, which decreased to 11 by the end of 2024 and finally reached zero this year. 'This year, it is zero, meaning there are no more hardcore poor in Klias. This shows that the government's various initiatives to address this issue have been effective. 'The government provided extensive assistance to ensure these individuals rose above the poverty line, as we understood their struggles, some earning less than RM250 a month and some even without homes,' 'We provided them with SMJ homes and enrolled them in the Mini Estet Sejahtera (Mesej) programme to boost their economic standing. They have now successfully escaped poverty.' He said this to reporters after officiating the Klias Gagasan Rakyat Annual Delegates Meeting at Dewan Pa' Musa here. Isnin, who is also Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing, said five dilapidated schools in the area will be upgraded with an allocation of RM118 million. The schools are SK Mempagar, SK Takuli, SK Rancangan Klias, SK Pintas and SK Kubu. Additionally, a RM35 million allocation has been approved for the construction of the Beaufort District Education Office. 'My voice was heard during the Gagasan Rakyat Annual Assembly debate last year on education issues, leading to this substantial allocation for Klias. 'Not just that, Beaufort is also set to become one of Sabah's industrial hubs with a 5,000-acre area to be developed as an industrial centre. 'Once this project begins, it will impact local development and the economy, especially in Klias. The community must seize this opportunity,' he said. When asked about preparations for the 17th State Election, Isnin, who is also a Gagasan Rakyat Supreme Council Member said the party machinery is fully prepared to defend the Klias seat at any time. 'All party wings, including grassroots machinery, have been instructed to be ready. 'Support from young voters (aged 18 to 30) for the government is very positive, thanks to various direct initiatives such as education aid, SMJ housing assistance and financial aid all of which meet the people's needs at all levels,' he said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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