KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government has made several allocations to eradicate hardcore poverty in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said among them is to allocate RM125 million annually for the SMJ House Programme to build houses for the hardcore poor listed in e-Kasih.
"The government will also allocate a special RM175 million for poverty eradication programmes by providing job opportunities to target groups to enable them to escape from hardcore poverty.
"The state government also welcomes the commitment of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, regarding efforts to improve the wellbeing of the people by addressing poverty, in line with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad," he said at the state-level Maulidur Rasul Celebration 1445H/2023M at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here.
Hajiji said the development of a great civilization depends on the achievements of the ummah.
Therefore, he said, human development is an important aspect included in the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) policy, which is in line with the Malaysia Madani aspiration.
He said in line with this demand, the state government also emphasises education and training under the SMJ policy, with the aim of producing knowledgeable, skilled and competent human capital.
"As a result of this and in line with the second core of the SMJ Directional Policy, which is Human Capital Development and People's Wellbeing, the Felo SMJ 2.0 Programme will be continued this year.
"The Felo SMJ initiative is the state government's effort to empower human capital development in the state.
"The state government focuses entirely on strengthening human capital to be competent, innovative and resilient, and to have integrity," he said, adding the programme is opened for diploma graduates, Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) holders and the equivalent.
Applicants will be placed in government departments and agencies as well as government-linked companies (GLCs) with an aim of creating the future leaders of Sabah.
Meanwhile, Hajiji said as the leader of the ummah, Prophet Muhammad often emphasised the importance of brotherhood and unity in society and the state. He said disputes and conflicts among the people would weaken society ultimately lead to division and destruction.
"In the context of Sabah, the spirit of unity and racial harmony must always be maintained.
"Now is the time for us to strengthen ties, build brotherhood and consensus because we need to plan and organise for a more conducive and successful future."
Earlier, Hajiji, together with the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and thousands of Muslims participated in a procession from Padang Merdeka to SICC in conjunction with Maulidur Rasul.
