TUARAN: The state government has approved an allocation of RM4.5 million to upgrade the village road lanes within the Sulaman state constituency this year.
The Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, said that the lanes, which are between 100 and 300 metres apart, will be upgraded for the comfort and convenience of the people.
“This is one of the facilities that we have planned and will be implemented in the Sulaman area this year. I have approved an allocation of RM4.5 million for this purpose.
“There are many more infrastructure facilities that the government will provide from time to time in Sulaman and other areas,” he said.
He said this at the Small Traders and Hawkers Assistance Handover Ceremony for the Sulaman constituency at the Rumpun Bajau Sama Cultural Centre here today.
A total of 125 small traders and hawkers along the roads in the Sulaman area received cash assistance of RM5,000 from the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) and the Adun’s Touch Point allocation.
Hajiji, who is also the Chairman of SEDIA, said that the state government is committed to reducing the hardcore poverty rate in Sabah, which currently has more than 22,000 hardcore poor households in the state.
According to him, the government has made it mandatory for government-linked companies (GLCs), government agencies, and foreign and local investors who open factories in Sabah to hire children from the poorest families as workers.
With this initiative, along with the efforts of relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, the government hopes to alleviate the problem of hardcore poverty.
Regarding assistance to small traders and hawkers, Hajiji said it is among the government’s efforts to protect the interests of this group.
