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KOTA KINABALU – The Rural and Regional Development Ministry will zero in on aiding Pitas, Kota Marudu, and Tongod, the state’s three poorest districts, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Zahid said Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor himself had urged the ministry to assist the three districts in terms of village development projects such as infrastructure and utilities.
Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, said efforts are being planned by the ministry and Sabah government via a technical committee chaired by Sabah State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong.
“The ministry will implement efforts, via discussion with the economy and finance ministries, to realise the state government’s intention to focus on the three districts and bring them out of the hardcore poor group in Sabah,” he said here today.
He was speaking at a media conference after attending a meeting between the ministry and Sabah government for 2023, which was also attended by Hajiji.
Meanwhile, Zahid said the technical committee is also trying to coordinate the allocation channelled to the state so it can be received as soon as possible and the projects involved are implemented effectively.
He said under Budget 2023 presented on February 24, Sabah would receive various allocations, and coordination between the ministry and state government was required to ensure that the projects involved ran smoothly.
“This coordination involves department heads in the ministry and Sabah agencies, as well as on our side. This is so that the project’s implementation can be felt by Sabah’s people as soon as possible,” he said.
He also said that in terms of food security, the rice estate initiative to be implemented in Sabah was the main focus.
The initiative seeks to ensure the state can produce rice independently for local consumption while stockpiling for contingencies
“The villagers are involved as estate shareholders as they earn dividends, and also as workers on rice estates, while Felcra provides them housing for new economic development in the area,” he said.
Zahid said he leaves it to Hajiji and the state government to announce the details of the rice estate initiative, including the areas involved, after the study into the matter has been completed. – Bernama, March 8, 2023
