25-04-2025
IDS Sabah targets poverty reduction with 135 development projects
Azizah (seated, centre) speaking to reporters at the IDS Sabah Raya open house, flanked by Ramzah to her left and Flovia.
KOTA KINABALU (April 25): The Institute for Development Studies (IDS) Sabah has planned or is implementing 135 projects this year across various sectors to support the state's development.
IDS Sabah chairwoman Datuk Seri Azizah Mohd Dun said the initiatives, which cover areas such as the economy, health, education, environment and women's empowerment, are progressing steadily.
One of the key efforts highlighted is IDS' ongoing study on Sabah's eight poorest districts.
The study for four districts — Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Pitas, and Ranau — is halfway complete, with findings already submitted to the relevant authorities. The remaining districts are currently being assessed, with completion expected later this year.
Azizah outlined several factors contributing to poverty in these areas. One major issue is the reliance of fishermen on middlemen to sell their catch, reducing their earnings while brokers often take a larger share.
'We need to find ways for government agencies to support fishermen, not only in catching fish but also in becoming entrepreneurs and business owners,' she said at IDS Sabah's Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house at Wisma IDS, Kepayan, yesterday.
She also pointed to accessibility as a recurring problem. Many rural communities face challenges in transporting goods due to poor infrastructure and remote locations, leading to high transportation costs.
'Even though villagers may own land, they can't fully utilise it to generate income, leaving them stuck. Infrastructure feasibility must be improved as part of our poverty eradication efforts,' Azizah said.
She further emphasized the impact of limited accessibility on education. Many rural families struggle to send their children to school, which contributes to the continued cycle of poverty.
'We are paying serious attention to this issue,' she added.
Around 300 people attended the IDS Sabah Raya open house, which was co-hosted by IDS Sabah, the Meteorological Department, and the Environmental Protection Department.
Also present were IDS Sabah CEO Datuk Ts Dr Ramzah Dambul and State Assistant Minister of Community Development and People's Wellbeing Datuk Flovia Ng.
