People's Income Initiative: Face-to-face approach effective to engage Sabah rural communities
TAWAU: The implementation of People's Income Initiative (IPR) should be more inclusive and targeted, especially in rural Sabah, said Sabah Barisan Nasional chief Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
He said the initiative under 13th Malaysia Plan, despite being well-conceived, would likely fail in reaching those most in need.
The IPR, proposed under the revised 2023 Budget with a RM500 million allocation, is a collaboration between the government and several strategic partners to increase the income of people living in hardcore poverty, and those in the B40 income group.
The initiative comprises three modules: the Agro Entrepreneur Initiative (Intan), the Food Entrepreneur Initiative (Insan) and the Services Operator Initiative (Ikhsan).
The former deputy chief minister said Sabah's hardcore poverty rate stands at 1.2 per cent, which is six times higher than the national average of 0.2 per cent.
"This is more than just a statistic, it is tangible evidence of a persistent development gap.
"In reality, many Sabahans, especially single mothers, the elderly and rural youth continue to live in deprivation not due to a lack of effort but because of limited access to opportunities and assistance," he said in a statement.
To address it, Bung Moktar urged the Economy Ministry to restructure the IPR's rollout in Sabah, prioritising outreach-based strategies.
He added a face-to-face or outreach programme approach must become a central strategy, involving direct engagement at community halls, schools, houses of worship and community centres, in close cooperation with village heads, Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK), and non-governmental organisations.
"Sabah holds tremendous potential if policies are executed equitably and in a targeted manner.
"I believe that with an empowered implementation of IPR, Sabah can break free from the cycle of poverty and move towards a more prosperous future," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
GRS intensifies preparations for 17th Sabah state polls
KOTA KINABALU: Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) has intensified its preparations for the 17th state election (PRN17), with comprehensive training sessions for its machinery conducted across all constituencies and state assembly areas. GRS chairman Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, who is also GRS chairman, said the coalition's election machinery is now fully activated, with grassroots-level training playing a key role in ensuring readiness. 'GRS is clearly prepared. We have set up our election machinery and carried out multiple training sessions to ensure every constituency is ready for the upcoming election,' he said. Speaking at the 2025 Ibadah Qurban Programme at the Tuaran district police headquarters on Saturday (June 7), Hajiji noted that discussions on seat allocations have yet to be held. He also confirmed that he had met with Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi before Ramadan to discuss potential political cooperation. 'We had a discussion before Ramadan (around February), but no final decision was made. 'Any decision on possible cooperation must be referred to the GRS supreme council before we move forward,' he said. In conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration, Hajiji expressed hope that the occasion would encourage a deeper sense of unity and sacrifice among Malaysians, especially Muslims. 'Aidiladha is not just about the ritual of animal sacrifice, it also teaches us values like cooperation, tolerance, and willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good. 'This means prioritising unity and working together for a better future for Sabah's diverse communities,' he said. Earlier in the day, Hajiji joined around 1,000 worshippers for Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Haji Noor in Kampung Serusop. He was accompanied by state Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim, state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau, and Pantai Dalit assemblyman Datuk Jasnih Daya. Together, they symbolically handed over sacrificial cattle to Tuaran OCPD Supt Noraidin Ag Maidin.
Free Malaysia Today
5 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
GRS fully prepared for state election, says Hajiji
GRS chairman Hajiji Noor said the coalition remains open to talks on cooperation with BN. (Bernama pic) TUARAN : Gabungan Rakyat Sabah is fully prepared to face the upcoming state election, said its chairman, Hajiji Noor. Hajiji, who is also the chief minister, said GRS has conducted a series of training sessions across constituencies to strengthen the coalition's election machinery ahead of the polls. 'Clearly, GRS is ready. We have established our election machinery and conducted several rounds of training in preparation (for the election). 'However, discussions on seat allocations have yet to take place,' he told reporters after officiating the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual at the Tuaran police headquarters today. The state legislative assembly will automatically dissolve on Nov 11, ending its five-year term beginning on Nov 12, 2020, paving the way for the 17th state election. On cooperation with Barisan Nasional for the polls, Hajiji said GRS remains open to discussions with the party's leaders. 'The last time I met the BN chairman (Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) was before the fasting month. While political matters were discussed, there have been no further talks on collaboration or related issues since then. 'There is no issue with meeting (BN). I have great respect for all friends, especially the BN chairman, and we are very open on this matter,' he said. However, he said any party-related matters, including the state election and potential cooperation with other parties, must first be discussed with the GRS Supreme Council before any decisions are made.
Malay Mail
6 hours ago
- Malay Mail
GRS ready for Sabah polls, says Hajiji — but seat talks still pending
TUARAN, June 7 — Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) is fully prepared to face the 17th state election, said its chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Hajiji, who is also the Chief Minister, said GRS has conducted a series of training sessions across constituencies and state assembly areas to strengthen the coalition's election machinery ahead of the polls. 'Clearly, GRS is ready. We have established our election machinery and conducted several rounds of training in preparation. 'However, discussions on seat allocations have yet to take place,' he told reporters after officiating the Aidiladha sacrificial ritual at the Tuaran District Police Headquarters today. Also present were Sabah Minister of Rural Development, Datuk Jahid Jahim; Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai; and Tuaran Police Chief, Supt Noraidin Ag Maidin. The Sabah Legislative Assembly will automatically dissolve on Nov 11, ending the five-year term that began with its official opening by Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin on Nov 12, 2020, paving the way for the 17th state election. Commenting on the cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) for the upcoming election, Hajiji said GRS remains open to discussions with the party's leaders. 'The last time I met the BN chairman (Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) was before the fasting month. While political matters were discussed, there have been no further talks on collaboration or related issues since then. 'There is no issue with meeting; I have great respect for all friends, especially the BN chairman, and we are very open on this matter,' he said. However, he said any party-related matters, including the 17th state election and potential cooperation with other parties, must first be discussed with the GRS Supreme Council before any decisions are made. — Bernama
