KOTA KINABALU: Arnie Jaliusih of SMK Tun Fuad Stephens in Kiulu is definitely not an isolated story in Sabah, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.
When Sabah Education department invited Arnie and her parents to attend the state-level STPM results announcement at Kolej Tingkatan Enam Kota Kinabalu at the eleventh hour, the rubber tapper father had no choice but to borrow RM120 from several people in their village.
"(The story) saddens me, yet I feel elated to know of such stories of achievement especially among the poor in the rural areas.
"Had she and others in similar situations had better access and opportunities to compete, I am sure they could do even better, " he told the New Straits Times.
Jeffrey, who is Keningau member of parliament and Tambunan assemblyman, said Arnie's story was close to his heart, as he too experienced poverty.
He said that his father also used to ask him to discontinue schooling after Form 5.
"He had asked me to look for jobs instead, so as to be able to help my other siblings. There are 15 of us in the family.
"But, I defied my father and went on to school on my own. I was lucky to finally end up at Harvard University."
Jeffrey said that rural poverty is a severe problem that must be comprehensively tackled in Sabah.
He added the government and school administration should establish a special unit to study and identify cases like these in Sabah and recommend solutions.
"Special scholarship awards could also be given to such students to assist and motivate them further."
When commenting on the low monthly income of Juliasih of between RM200 and RM300, Jeffrey, who is also state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry minister, said that the rubber price has been stagnant.
"(Rubber) is no longer as profitable as it used to be due to (availability of) synthetic (rubber) and the advances in technology.
"The cost of production inputs is constantly rising making small holders uncompetitive. rural farmers are often left to fend for themselves to educate their children.
"That is why Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS) is assisting small holders in planting other short-term crops such as pineapples, vegetables, and others to supplement their income.
"Maybe it is time to review the viability of rubber vi-a-vis other agricultural crops such as guarana?"
