KOTA KINABALU: Sabah needs a more accurate and inclusive poverty census to ensure fair aid distribution, says Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin.
While commending the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Secretariat for introducing a census that incorporates additional indicators specific to the state, the Sabah Umno chairman stressed that the system must also address the growing financial strain on Sabahans, particularly amid rising living costs in 2025.
"This step is crucial in ensuring that aid reaches those who truly need it in a more precise and effective manner. I believe the actual number of Sabahans eligible for assistance far exceeds the current data.
"A more comprehensive approach is needed," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 19).
Bung Moktar expressed concern that the current census system primarily focuses on those registered in the e-Kasih database, potentially overlooking many in need.
The Lamag assemblyman urged an expanded approach to include near-poor individuals and those caught in income gaps who fall between eligibility categories for assistance.
"Aid should not be restricted by overly rigid criteria that denies assistance to those genuinely in need," he stressed.
To enhance poverty assessment and aid distribution, he proposed several key improvements, including expanding data collection to identify low-income households in rural and interior areas often overlooked by existing aid systems.
He also called for a more inclusive framework that considers individuals affected by rising prices and economic pressures who may not meet strict eligibility criteria.
In addition, he stressed the need for stronger collaboration between state and federal authorities to streamline aid distribution and eliminate bureaucratic delays.
"Our ultimate goal is to ensure no Sabahan in need is left behind," he said, expressing confidence that refining the poverty census would lead to more targeted assistance and improve the well-being of many in the state.
