KOTA KINABALU: Three districts in Sabah have been identified for a pilot project aimed at eradicating poverty through entrepreneurship, cooperatives and education.
Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the proposed project, dubbed Program Ehsan Kuskop, was discussed at its ministerial meeting and will be presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim soon.
“We are proposing the pilot project in three districts - Kota Belud, Kudat and Kota Marudu. We have foundations and universities which could be mobilised for entrepreneurship, cooperatives and education programmes to benefit those registered under the e-Kasih system and B40 group.
“For instance, for those interested to venture in small businesses, we would refer them to the Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (Tekun), Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia, Bank Rakyat or others offering micro financing facilities,” said the Penampang MP and Kadamaian assemblyman.
An initiative of the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry, the project will later be expanded to the remaining five districts, which have been categorised as the poorest in the country.
He said he does not want to be labelled as a leader who is only good at talking, but not part of the solution.
“As a Cabinet member from Sabah, I believe it is part of my responsibility to find a solution to eradicate poverty in my state. Plus other ministries are finding ways to find remedies, so we should join the bandwagon,” he told reporters after the ministry’s breaking of fast programme, here, on Thursday (April 4).
Benedick added that all agencies, organisations and foundations placed under his portfolio would be mobilised to support the proposed programme.
He also called on all Sabah leaders to join in his effort to elevate the state’s economic development and move towards zero poverty.
“Rather than blaming who or what caused poverty in Sabah, we should embrace our strengths and find a remedy,” said Benedick.
