TUARAN: The Sabah Bumiputera Farmers and Breeders Association (PETANAH) has suggested to the state government that it give RM300 in cash aid every month to those in the poorest or hardcore poor category in eight districts in Sabah.
PETANAH President Gaibin Ransoi said that although the amount of living assistance is small, it is sufficient to help alleviate the family’s expenses while at the same time lifting them out of poverty.
According to PETANAH’s findings through reports from each member, their income is uncertain—less than RM1,000 per month.
“The lives of their families (hardcore poor) are very difficult, and children need healthy nutrition to grow up.
“And this living assistance is not permanent, only temporary until the children are able to work to ensure a good life,” he said in a statement today.
According to Gaibin, the aid can be transferred to others who are in great need of it, thereby helping to address the issue of poverty in the state.
He said PETANAH hopes that the Sabah government will consider the merits of the proposal for the common good.
“We PETANAH members think this is one of the initiatives that can be implemented to help the hardcore poor, especially in eight districts in Sabah,” he said.
Previously, Minister of Economy Rafizi Ramli revealed that the eight poorest districts in Sabah currently consist of the Tongod, Beluran, Pitas, Kinabatangan, Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Ranau, and Lahad Datu districts.
